In a few days, I will turn 73. Perhaps that is why I have been thinking lately about the final lap of my race of faith. Like you, I want to finish well. The race of faith we run must be examined from time to time to make sure we are running the right race with the right finish line in mind.

I have some friends who are also running the last lap. Because of age or illness, they know they are about to cross the finish line. As one approaches that point in life, simplicity and tender memories become a greater focus. Lives lived in the Spirit are not supposed to be filled with regret if what creates our regret has been placed under the merciful blood covering of Jesus Christ through confession and repentance. The victory of Jesus swallows up the lesser things we mistakenly spent our lives worrying about or attempting to achieve that had no eternal value. In that last lap, the focus of our faith becomes clearer as we approach the day when we will run into the arms of Jesus. 

Paul wrote of his last lap in his second letter to Timothy. The letter was written from prison shortly before his execution. It would be his last epistle. In that letter Paul wrote to a young pastor reminding him to “fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you” (II Timothy 1:6).  He wrote those words because at some point in mid-life Timothy might foolishly think he could accomplish what God has called him to do in his own strength and wisdom. Faithful mentors remind us of what is most important in this life.

Paul also let Timothy know the source of his confidence even as his date with the executioner was fast approaching, “For I know the One in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return” (1:12). Belief has been translated as “to entrust.” Paul wanted Timothy to know he had faithfully entrusted all things to the Lord all the way to his finish line.

Perhaps the most poignant of Paul’s words came in the last chapter of this final encouragement to Timothy, “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (4:6-7). Only a life that has remained faithful to Jesus can produce such words. That devotion is what creates confidence in us to run freely and with hope through each season and situation of life no matter what comes our way.