The Finish Line

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Bee's Thoughts:

This morning service message was very appropriate for me. It seemed God knew I need that message and spoke to me through the speaker.

The speaker shared on how we should react when God closes the doors we wish will be opened to us. He said we should not react negatively as God has a purpose when doors are closed to us, or when He delays the opening of certain doors. He is almighty and could see our future. So He may close some doors or delay opening them to protect us, or to wait till we are ready. When God closes a door, He will open another for us if we just come to Him in prayer and wait on Him.

On the one hand, I do believe God has a purpose for me when things don't go my way. But on the other hand I feel so much pain in having to accept what has happened recently. I cried to the Lord and told Him I feel painful for my recent loss. "Painful, Lord, painful, very painful...", I cried during my bath. God has closed the door!

In today's devotion is another encouragement for me to run the race without distraction. I must run and reach the finishing line even if people around me don't.


Dear Lord,
Surely You know the pain I have and You have heard my heart's cries.
You know what I am going through and the many tears I've shed.
I'm in agony one more time just like the last time.
It's my fault that I allowed my heart to be soft and landed myself in such stage.
Help me be strong once again, Lord, and bravely move on.
Help me finish this race and let me bring honor to Your name.

I prayer for my ex-buddy that You will keep him strong.
Protect him from all harms and keep him from falling into temptations.
Help him run the race and finish his course even if he has to run alone.
May Your mercy and grace be with him all the days of his life.
Let him know Your bigger plan for his life and help him comply.
May the people he loved be blessed because he honor Your name.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.