The Big Race

Scripture:

2 Corinthians 4:7-15 (NASB)

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.  For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.  So death works in us, but life in you.

But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you.  For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.

Devotional:

The Little Grand Canyon in Southern Georgia was formed by water erosion.  Due to farming practices in the 1800s running water created the little canyon.  It didn’t form over night.  Somebody didn’t fall asleep one night only to wake up and see the canyon the next day.  It took years of running water to create the beautiful canyon.  The power of a little water goes a long way, especially when given enough time.

Our faith and persistence in spreading the Gospel is the same.  We might never see the full extent of what we do.  We may not realize the difference our suffering or hardships we face make.  Paul tells us to keep at it.  2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NASB)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now 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.

Paul spent his life devoted to spreading the Gospel.  He suffered many hardships and yet still kept on all the way till the end.  I wonder how many times he thought to himself wondering what difference he might make.  How many times did the thought cross his mind that he wasn’t making a difference?  Maybe those thoughts never crossed his mind, maybe they did.  In the end Paul touched more lives over the years.  His effort made a difference.

It is important for us to keep on going.  We must continue the race.  There will be times when it is tough and we will not want to continue.  We will feel abandoned and all alone.  We might be persecuted and scoffed at.  In this life we may never know what kind of difference we might make.  Whose life will be changed because you fought the good fight and ran the race till the very end?