Daily Devotions
No Regrets
Title: No Regrets
Reading for September 16: Hosea 5-9
Weekly reading for September 16-22: 2 Timothy & Titus
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
If you knew you were about to die, could you say what Paul said?
- Would you feel like you've "fought the good fight," or would you feel like you've lived cowardly?
- Would you be able to say you'd "finished the race," or would you say you'd allowed sins to hold you back from finishing strong?
- Would you say that you had "kept the faith," or would you admit that you have been unfaithful for most of your life?
If this is the way you feel, I want to say, first of all, that the one who penned these words also called himself a "blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent" (1 Timothy1:13). He said he was the "foremost" of all sinners because of what he had done in his life (1 Timothy 1:15).
And yet, this man could approach the end of his life with peace. How is that?
The reason is twofold:
- First, he trusted in grace: "the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy1:14).
- Second, when he received his second chance, he poured himself into God's purposes for his life.
If you are living with regrets, accept God's mercy right now! Don't get mired in self-doubt and self-pity. I know you don't feel worthy of it. You're not worthy. That's what makes grace, grace. Be humble enough to accept this gift from God.
And once you've accepted God's free gift, give your life as a gift in return, knowing you can now finish your race with joy and with no regrets (Romans 12:1-2).
Father God, help us to accept your mercy and use our second chance as motivation to live sacrificial lives for your sake.
