Scripture Reading
2 Corinthians 4:17 (NLT)
"For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!"
Philippians 3:14 (NLT)
"I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
Background
Trail racing is not for the faint of heart. No one runs in a 50 or 100-mile race without months of training. And when race day comes, and you’re in position before sunrise at the start line, it’s likely the beginning of the most grueling day you’ve ever faced. Your legs will get sore as you struggle up numerous steep climbs. Your feet will hurt from all the pounding on the long downhills. Your body will be pushed past its limits. What’s going to keep you from giving up? How will you keep putting one foot before the other and not give up? The answer is mindset. No matter what, you are going to finish this race. You won’t stop until you reach the finish.
Paul is no different. He suffered through many hardships from shipwrecks to prison to being stoned and many more. However, even when he was pushed past his limits, he never gave up. No matter what. Paul pressed on through every hardship because he was focused on what lay ahead. Whatever it is you are facing, whatever hardship is in your way, is your focus on the finish line? Listen to Paul’s perspective on his troubles in 2 Corinthians 4:17. “For our present trouble are small won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!”
You can’t give up. No matter what. Soon, the “small” troubles will disappear, and something wonderful awaits you. Follow the example of Paul and his mindset. “Press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Phil 3:14).
Consider:
- What "race" are you running in your spiritual life?
- Are there hardships in your life that feel overwhelming? How can you shift your focus to the eternal prize?
- How can Paul’s example inspire you to persevere through challenges?
Action
This week, consider how you can adopt Paul’s mindset in your own life. Identify one challenge that feels overwhelming, and commit to trusting God to help you overcome it.
Prayer
Father, help me to keep my eyes on the eternal prize and press on through life’s challenges. Strengthen my resolve to live faithfully and glorify You in all circumstances. May I reflect Your strength and perseverance in all I do. Amen.
Week 6 Prayer Guide
Monday
Colossians 3:1-4
"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory."
Father, open my eyes to see where I am focused on earthly things. Are my thoughts consumed with something that I should rather lay at your feet? Will you set my sights on the realities of heaven where there is peace and rest and freedom from the troubles of this world? Lord, help me to remember that I’ve died to this life, and my life is now hidden with Christ in God. May my heart and soul long for the day when Christ will be revealed.
Tuesday
John 16:33
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Isaiah 26:3
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
Do I have peace in my heart? Am I burdened by many trials and sorrows? Lord, I know you desire peace for me through all of my trials and sorrows. I know, as your child, you don’t want me to lose hope. Help me to hold on to you, so that I can find peace during any trouble. Help me to remember you have overcome the world! As the hymn says, “O soul, are you weary and troubled…Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”
Wednesday
Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne."
Matthew 5:13-16
"You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Is there something that is slowing me down in my Christian life? Do I have a sin that I’m holding on to that is tripping me up? Why in the world am I holding on to it? Help me, Lord, to get rid of it. I want to be free. I’m meant to be free – to be salt and light to the world around me. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to run the race you’ve set before me – showing the world and those around me what Christ can do.
Thursday
Galatians 5:1
“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”
Galatians 5:13-14
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:24-25
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
Lord, thank you being so good to me! You’ve set me free from sin and given me freedom to run the race and live for you. Help me to truly live in freedom and let your Holy Spirit lead me. I don’t want to do it my way. I want to be free – to live in freedom! Help me to follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of my life. And help me to want this freedom for those around me, loving them as you have loved me. Holy Spirit, lead me.
Friday
Revelation 21:3-7
"I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.' And the one sitting on the throne said, 'Look, I am making everything new!' And then he said to me, 'Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.' And he also said, 'It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.' "
Do I remember what awaits me when I’m with Jesus? Do I realize how sweet heaven will be? He will wipe away every tear…and there will be no more sorrow or pain. Trouble will be gone forever. Oh, Lord, how my soul longs for the day when all will be made new and when I can be rid of all my troubles and pain. Help me to live each day, pressing on through whatever comes my way, and looking forward to living in eternity with you forever!