December 21, 2022

• Blogs Home
• More Posts

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8) ESV.

As I read (2 Timothy 4:7-8) this morning and prepared today’s Devotional Thought, the words Inner Strength came to mind. Where does our Inner Strength come from? As I pondered this question personally, I recalled something very interesting about the aspect of inner strength; it was a quote from a book I read a while back titled On the Highroad of Surrender, written by Frances J. Robert; the section says, “That we must have the inner strength to cope with the outer blessing.” For instance, I am a retired Youth Pastor working as a custodian (Tidy Bowl Man) at our local medical center. I love what I do because I work for the Lord in my heart! I start each day praying, “Lord, please help me to bring Glory to You and to please You in all I do and to be the best Custodian (your profession) for You.” When we pray this way, the Lord will strengthen us in whatever we do to please Him. On the flip side, though, if we don’t (in my opinion), we will not have the inner strength to cope because we haven't spent time asking Him for that strength to cope with the events of the day. The most terrible thing for me to imagine would be nearly finishing the race and running out of fuel. To be close to the finish line only to run out of steam and then be unable to complete the course. 

Paul understood this and therefore could say in (vs. 7-8), “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” After investing his life in serving God and spreading the Good News about Jesus, Paul rested in God’s Grace. Paul understood the balance between weakness and strength. Like Paul, we are stronger when we realize our weaknesses and dependence on God. 

Friends, Paul encourages us with these words from (Hebrews 12:1-2) ESV, “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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” May the race we finish (whether we are a Custodian or a CEO of a company) may we finish our race set before us bringing Glory to God. Would you join me in this Pray today?

Dear Heavenly Father, I acknowledge my dependence on You today. I know I can do nothing on my own that will have lasting worth. Father, keep me at Your Feet. I want to finish strong like Paul and the many who have gone before me. I can only do this as I rest in Your Grace which is more than sufficient for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Encouraging Words: Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, remember how far you have come with God as your strength.

God Bless you and have a Blessed Day, Friends <><

Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org

Feedback, or Devotion Ideas? Send an email to info@wearethebridge.org

Download The Bridge Mobile App to get the latest devotions, blog posts, podcast episodes, and more as soon as they are published!