REMAIN FOCUSED, FINISH STRONG
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7, ESV
Theme: Finish strong. Remain focused on God and honoring Him.
FINISH STRONG
Those who race or consistently exercise may use this phrase “finish strong” to motivate themselves or their teammates to complete a set, race, or workout with excellence. However, in order to maintain physical fitness, speed, or strength, one must also continue to train consistently.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1, ESV). Endurance is what we need for the race that is our lives. Rest days (and Sabbath rest) are needed. Intense workouts, while they may be daily, do not last the entire day. Race days come and go. “Finish strong” is a mantra that can be repeated over and over again. When we finish a set strong, it builds both endurance and confidence for the next (possibly more challenging) set. When I run a race and finish strong, it helps me to be ready for the next race.
REMAIN FOCUSED
Throughout our lives, regular habits determine our direction. Whatever pursuits I remain focused on and committed to will become cornerstones in my life. Do I work diligently at my place of employment? Do I prioritize building relationships? Do I focus on reading my Bible, meditating on God’s messages to me, and on prayer? Do I maintain a regimen of physical exercise? The analogy of an athlete reminds us that bodies and lives both require constant maintenance and training. Unless we remain focused, our strength will atrophy. “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should” (1 Corinthians 9:27a, NLT).
We all remain focused on something. We train our bodies, minds, souls, and emotions. Sometimes our focus is honorable; other times, that focus is on our own pleasure or our own glory. If we hope to finish well, we must persist in doing good.
IT IS FINISHED
When will we also be able to say: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7, ESV)? Paul is in prison, facing martyrdom. He can look back on his whole life and say “I have finished the race” because he can see the finish line. Jesus said, “It is finished” with His last breath from the cross. Our whole lives are much like a single race or workout. When we finish them, life with God will just be beginning. Yet, until we breathe our last, it will continue to take effort, training, and focus to finish strong.
Make It Personal: What are the things you remain focused on? In what areas of focus have you used the mantra “finish strong” (work, exercise, parenting, marriage, caring for an ailing or chronically ill family member)?
Pray: Lord, thank You for providing many examples of endurance and persistence in your Word. Please help me to finish strong by remaining focused on honoring You until I reach the finish line in this race. I’m super tired today. I think maybe my pace is a bit slow. Help me to regain the strength I need to keep on and finish strong. Amen.
Read: 2 Timothy 4:1-8; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Weekly Memory Verse: “...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 6:1, NIV