2019 – Deeper
Run Your Race
THIS WEEK’S FOCUSED SCRIPTURE
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
THOUGHTS FROM JON
If you are reading this letter, chances are you started 2019 by reading a devotional I wrote back in January, and you have gotten one every week for the last 52 weeks. For those of you who have been with us as we’ve read through the New Testament together on the You Version Bible app, thank you for joining us in this endeavor. We pray it blessed you!
In this passage, Paul is nearing the end of his time on this earth and is having this reflective moment. He puts pen to paper and says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race….” We know from history, as well as Paul’s writings, that his race was not an easy race. It’s as if he wants everyone to know that many times, he felt like giving up, but he didn’t. Many times, it didn’t look like there was any way, but God made a way. Many times, he had to have felt like giving up, but God never gave up on him.
As 2019 draws to a close, perhaps we should become reflective in the same thing Paul did. I’m sure you could list many ups, downs, and everything in between. Although you did not do everything perfectly in 2019, and although you might do a few things differently if you had the chance, here you are. You fought the good fight, you finished this race, and hopefully… you have kept the faith.
Here is my encouragement to you as 2020 stares you in the face. Take some time to reflect on your race from 2019. Perhaps at moments during this race you should have run a little faster. Or maybe for you, you can see areas where you should have slowed down your pace to enjoy life, family, or a good book. Or maybe you look back and see a few roadblocks in your race that you could have maneuvered differently. One thing I know is that when you finish one race, there is another one waiting for you just around the corner. Perhaps your race in 2019 was simply preparation for your race in 2020. Philippians 3:14 (NASB) reads, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” So, keep pressing, keep pushing, keep running the race laid out before you.
Thank you for being a part of this great church. Our prayers are with you. May God bless and multiply everything you touch!
VICTORY.CHURCH