"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 19 October 2016 with Scripture 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Wednesday, 19 October 2016 with Scripture 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
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2 Timothy 4:6 For as for me, I am already being poured out on the altar; yes, the time for my departure has arrived. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 All that awaits me now is the crown of righteousness which the Lord, “the Righteous Judge,” will award to me on that Day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for him to appear.
16 The first time I had to present my defense, no one stood by me; everyone deserted me — may it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me power to proclaim the full message for all the Goyim to hear, and I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.[2 Timothy 4:17 Psalm 22:22(21); Daniel 6:21(20), 23(22)] 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.[Complete Jewish Bible]
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While there are many analogies which help one understand one's faith, Paul's analogy here is perhaps one of the most used and most meaningful in our modern times. Athletic activities are popular for many, and they offer useful analogies to help us understand the whole of life. Each event is like a moment in time where each step and fall is important and can have a lasting effect upon who we are. In sports as in life we need to be focused on our final goal. Why are we running and working so hard? Perhaps it is this which we as a people of God and as individuals need to take time to ponder and realize. When we are confronted with bigger questions such as these we enter into thoughts that focus not only on ourselves but on what God is calling us to do and to be a part of. 
Creator and sustainer of all life and faith, help us to run this race keeping our eyes upon you. When we are running, help us to think of others not as competitors but as mentors and coaches. When we fall, help us realize that there are others to help us although we are tempted to do it all on our own. But above all, help us to realize that we are living our lives not for our own glory but for you, O God. Amen.
Nathan Strong, '11
Senior Pastor, Portland Lutheran Parish, Portland, N.D.
2 Timothy 4:6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing...
16 At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them!
17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.[New Revised Standard Version]

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