Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Think of 2 Timothy 4:1-8 as a coach giving a heartfelt speech to a young athlete before a big race. The coach emphasizes the importance of staying focused, training hard, and running with integrity. He reminds the athlete that there will be distractions and challenges, but the goal is to give it their all and strive for victory. 

In this analogy, we see Paul as the coach and Timothy as his star runner.  He is urging him to stay committed to his mission no matter how hopeless it feels, no matter how many may turn away from the faith, and no matter what persecution he may face. Paul reminds Timothy that he has a race of his own to finish and there will be many challenges ahead as he seeks to finish this race, but it is completely possible and even more rewarding if he stays focused on what is important. Timothy’s training for this will be one of endurance, perseverance, and patience.  

Can you find yourself in the race? Sometimes, like Timothy, we are the runner, and just need the voice of a coach in our life to keep us encouraged and on track with what we are called to do. Giving someone permission to speak into your life and hold you accountable is one of the wisest decisions you could make for your life. We never want to give up on our mission at hand and miss seeing a move of God. Consider how tragic it would be if you quit running your race today and the finish line was found in your tomorrow.  

Maybe you are like Paul and hold the role of a coach for someone right now. Is there someone who you need to encourage and help stay committed and focused on their race? Never underestimate the ministry of your presence and voice in someone else’s life.  

Regardless of where you are in the story, I think the calling for both can be summed up with standing firm in your position. As the coach, be prepared in season and out of season to maintain your role with great patience and careful instruction. As the athlete, stand firm with your perseverance and dedication.  To both the coach and the player, be encouraged to fulfill your calling, even in difficult times, knowing that your efforts will lead to a greater purpose. 

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence. 

Reflection: 

• Where is it that you need the voice of a coach right now in your life? 
  
• Where can you be the voice of a coach right now?  
  
• Can you think of times in your past when you thought it was all over for you, but then that difficult time passed, and you came into a wonderful season of fruitfulness? 
• Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for beginnings and endings! Thank You for being present in seasons that are difficult and bring us into seasons of fruitfulness! Help me to remember that my strength comes from You and that if I remain in You, I can make it through the races of life. In Jesus' name, amen.