‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’ – II Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)
Have you ever watched a relay race? Each runner sprints with all their might, not just to win, but to pass the baton faithfully to the waiting teammate. The race isn’t over when they get tired. It’s only over when they’ve run their full stretch and handed over what was entrusted to them without dropping it.
In the same way, our lives as believers are a race of eternal consequence. We don’t stop halfway. We run purposefully, carrying the gospel’s truth until our last breath.
The Bible tells us about Stephen, a man of unwavering courage and unshakable faith, who stood firm even in the face of death (Acts 7:56). The Jews had captured him for boldly speaking truth to power and proclaiming the kingdom of the Lord without fear or compromise. Yet, while stones were hurled at him in hatred, his voice did not falter. This is the kind of courage, boldness, and sense of eternal responsibility that we, as believers, are called to carry.
As sons and daughters who have inherited the promises of the kingdom, we are entrusted with the privilege and duty of sharing what Christ has done (2 Corinthians 5:18). This divine mandate applies to all believers, regardless of age, social status, or life stage. There is no retirement from serving God; our walk with Him is not seasonal but a lifelong commitment—a daily devotion and a living testimony to those around us.
Even when faced with rejection, persecution, or hostility, like in Stephen’s case, those who oppose the gospel are not beyond God’s mercy (1 Timothy 1:13-14). Their resistance underscores their desperate need for His love and truth. The darkness of their hearts does not diminish the light we are called to shine.
Look to the apostles, our early church fathers. They served with passion, sacrifice, and relentless love for the gospel. Paul urged believers to follow him as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Jesus Himself, our Saviour and perfect example, proclaimed the gospel until His final breath.
We have no excuse. We must rise to this call. Speak with conviction, share with understanding, and love with boldness.You are an emissary of the good news. Let it flow from you constantly, compassionately, and courageously until the very end.
Bible Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 8-10; Luke 6:1-19