Run the race with grace So you know you’re finishing well Goal: the finish line!
Today’s sermon at church was titled, “Running the Race” But the main topic of interest was “Finishing Well.” So my sermon notes today reflect that focus. Come and read the highlights as I heard and recorded them:
2nd Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 “6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing… 16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Why do people run? Pain, elation, Personal challenge, delirium… Concentrate on how far you’ve come Rather than on where you’ve been.
Feeling stiff and in pain, but knowing I have the ability to endure hard things Gives me the ability to show up for myself So I can therefore show up for others.
Let’s end our journey with peace in our hearts Knowing we have run the race well. The Lord stood by us, gave us strength And gave us perseverance as we served with trust.
Serving in faith, fighting the good fight For mercy, for love… We often stand alone. Feeling lonely and isolated in life’s race, We reach out in ministry to others.
Christ calls us to run the race in faith. Faith transforms us in our disappointments Into opportunities of grace and hope. So finish the race with faithfulness.
See through the things we’ve started With integrity, keeping the faith through change. The glory of your finish will last forever. Run the race… and finish well.
Amen?
Love to you – and best wishes for a race well done! JanBeek
