In Need of a Halftime Speech?

Training for Today: Run 8 Miles

Devotion: In Need of a Halftime Speech?

Consider this devotion to be a shout out to all of my fellow basketball players . . . Can you remember sitting in the locker room at halftime of a game that was off to a disastrous start? Can you remember the look in your coach’s eyes? Boy, oh boy, do I remember that. But I also remember that, somehow, that coach was able to turn things around, frame things positively, and even motivate me to push myself harder than ever. Are you in need of a halftime speech? Do you find yourself with your head in your hands dwelling on where you’ve been?


Today we’re going to look at a halftime speech in 2 Timothy 4. Paul is preparing Timothy as a witness for Christ, one who will stay true to sound doctrine. He warns Timothy about people who will stray from doctrine as they pursue their earthly desires. Though doctrinal disaster looms near, Paul turns things around for Timothy, frames things positively, and motivates him to push harder than ever. Paul says, “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” Go get ‘em, Timothy!

On the one hand, I feel convicted by Paul’s pep talk. I know I don’t always keep my head. I know I haven’t always had an enduring spirit as I’ve dealt with hardship. And, I know that, in this weakness, I haven’t always done the work of an evangelist or been faithful to my ministry. On the other hand, I feel encouraged by Paul’s words. It’s like the halftime pep talk during that basketball game that started out as a disaster. As I look at my life, my sin has turned me into a weak defender, allowing Satan to run up the score. When I think I’m in control during a fast break lay-up, Satan trips me up and steals the ball. Suddenly, I hear a buzzer that pauses the game, and I see my Substitute running onto the court to clean up my mistakes and lead me to a seemingly impossible victory! Because of my Savior, I have a right relationship with God and am both equipped and empowered to spread the good news.

Consider Paul’s halftime pep talk as you run today. Go get ‘em!
Prayer
Almighty God, I repent of the times that I let my struggles with hardship pull me away from sharing the Gospel with others. Thank you for sending your Son as my Substitute. Remind me of the right relationship I have with you, fill me with the words Paul spoke to Timothy, and lead me where you will. Amen.