FAITH CAPSULE: Run with continuity and deny every form of distraction.
2 Timothy 4
It is written, “Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times! Remember me, O LORD, with the favor You have toward Your people. Oh, visit me with Your salvation.” (Psalm 106:3-4) It can be concluded that, to be remembered by God and to be visited by God is undoubtedly God’s blessing. As indicated in the above scriptural quotation, keeping justice and doing righteousness at all times (not at our convenient times) will trigger the blessing to be remembered and to be visited with God’s salvation. The requirement for righteousness at all times buttress the notion that: consistency; persistency; continuity are the rule of race. The apostle Paul in his illustration of what it takes to faithfully complete the Christian life journey (which is like running a race) stated, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day…” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) To run a race and be able to get a prize (blessing) is to continue in running according to the rule and not give up.
To run a race with continuity, consistency and persistency demands for one to deny every form of distraction such as sin. Often times when sin comes into play, getting back into race can be challenging. One should always keep in mind that God is a good God that He is ready to forgive. (Psalm 86:5) In His forgiveness there is the privilege to get back and continue in the race. It is always good to keep in mind that forgiveness from God is not a liberty to continue sinning and shining living in sin. Apostle Paul elaborated further on not to continue in sin despite the forgiveness in place when he stated, “…Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it…?”(Romans 6:1-2) Understand the need to stay focused in your race and also allow God to bless you when you are able to continue in keeping justice and doing righteousness at all times. Have you fallen short in your race? It is time to get back in the race by asking for forgiveness from a good God that is ready to forgive. Throughout the Bible, there are documentations of those that fell and not able to continue because of lack of understanding to ask for forgiveness. Also, there are documentations of those that fell for sin and by virtue of understanding, they regained continuity by asking for forgiveness and were able to complete the race. Run with understanding and be blessed.
Prayer for today: Ask God for grace and strengthen to run according to His rule.