A Guiding Vision

Scripture – 2 Timothy 4:6-8: ⁶For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here it’s like Paul is writing his own epitaph. I have quoted this scripture at many funerals over the years. And while it’s certainly not an epitaph for me, it does stay before me as a guiding vision. I will fight the good fight. What is the “good” fight? While it takes different forms, I know it’s not a fight over what color to paint a wall. There are bigger, more important battles to choose. I run to “finish” the race. I notice he doesn’t say to “win” the race. So I pace myself – taking appropriate breaks along the way. And I work to keep the faith – to remember always who I serve, who is the Director of my life.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will be faithful to Christ today. I will move in such a way to ensure I finish the race and I choose good battles to fight.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Keep my eyes and my heart open today, Lord Jesus. Guide me along the way. Refresh me when I’m tired. Speed me up when I’m going too slowly. Keep me moving ever toward the finish line you’ve drawn for me.