December 27, 2024
JUSTIN TUCKER | WORSHIP PASTOR
1 Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
In the 1968 Olympics, Tanzanian runner John Stephen Akhwari became famous—not for winning—but for how he finished the marathon. Injured early in the race, he limped the remaining 26 miles with a bloodied knee and obvious pain. Hours after the winners had crossed the finish line, Akhwari finally entered the stadium to a small, remaining crowd. When asked why he didn’t quit, he responded, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race. They sent me to finish it.”
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:58 remind us to approach our faith and God’s work with the same mindset. Why? Because we’re not running for a temporary medal. We’re laboring in light of the resurrection, the unshakable hope that Christ has defeated sin and death. This truth gives eternal significance to every act of obedience, every moment of service, and every ounce of effort we invest in the kingdom.
Life can feel like a marathon. Challenges, setbacks, and disappointments may tempt us to slow down or give up. But Paul encourages us to be steadfast and immovable. When the road gets tough, fix your eyes on the finish line, on Jesus. Even when your efforts seem unnoticed or unfruitful, remember: nothing done for the Lord is ever in vain.
So, whether you’re serving in your church, raising a family, or simply trying to live out your faith at work, keep going. Like Akhwari, we’re not here just to start the race. By God’s grace, we’re here to finish. Stay steadfast. Your labor is worth it.
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
In the 1968 Olympics, Tanzanian runner John Stephen Akhwari became famous—not for winning—but for how he finished the marathon. Injured early in the race, he limped the remaining 26 miles with a bloodied knee and obvious pain. Hours after the winners had crossed the finish line, Akhwari finally entered the stadium to a small, remaining crowd. When asked why he didn’t quit, he responded, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race. They sent me to finish it.”
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:58 remind us to approach our faith and God’s work with the same mindset. Why? Because we’re not running for a temporary medal. We’re laboring in light of the resurrection, the unshakable hope that Christ has defeated sin and death. This truth gives eternal significance to every act of obedience, every moment of service, and every ounce of effort we invest in the kingdom.
Life can feel like a marathon. Challenges, setbacks, and disappointments may tempt us to slow down or give up. But Paul encourages us to be steadfast and immovable. When the road gets tough, fix your eyes on the finish line, on Jesus. Even when your efforts seem unnoticed or unfruitful, remember: nothing done for the Lord is ever in vain.
So, whether you’re serving in your church, raising a family, or simply trying to live out your faith at work, keep going. Like Akhwari, we’re not here just to start the race. By God’s grace, we’re here to finish. Stay steadfast. Your labor is worth it.
Posted in Daily Devos