The Race of Grace

Scripture:

Acts 20:24
“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself,
so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received
from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (NKJV)

Observation:

As the apostle Paul neared the end of his life, he was able to look back without regret or remorse. He had been able to accomplish, through the Lord’s power, all that God had called on him to do.

Application:

I spent most of my life on this earth consumed in self-worthlessness; living in a life that gave me little peace about my existence. I walked and sometimes ran through this life-journey void of joy and any hope of finding it. I was so wrapped up in self-pity and hopelessness that the thing I desired most was death. Without the Lord our God, my life became meaningless and the race I was running was headed towards a cliff that would finally end in disaster and death (Isaiah 10:4). It was only by the grace of God that He stepped in and stopped me from destroying the precious life He had given me (Ephesians 2:8). Once I refocused my sights on the finish line and set my eyes on the One who had given me my start—the One who took my old life and gave me a new life—all things changed for me. My eyes were not only opened to the real truth about this life, but it also gave me a much clearer picture of the life I would find when I crossed the finish line.
The race I am now running has given me more joy than I ever thought possible; not a worldly kind of joy but an eternal joy that nothing can steal from me. When you know the Savior, the Lord our God, Jesus Christ, you will know where your life-journey is headed and His peace will settle over you. The direction of your race will change and you will not only be excited about reaching the finish line, but you will want to bring as many misdirected souls with you as you can. This race is not about us, dear friends, but about our gracious and merciful God and His marvelous plan of redemption for everyone! (Titus 2: 11-14).

Prayer:

Help me, my Lord, to keep my focus on You, so that my life on this fallen world will reflect Your glory.
Help me finish this race with glory and honor. Be my Trainer, Lord, so that I can finish my race with You at my side. And let me be a beacon for others to follow, so they, too, will cross the finish line into an everlasting life made perfect!

Amen