Week 48 - Finish

Isaiah Jewett was a college track star at USC and was preparing to show the world what he could do in the 800-meter race in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Jewett's goal was to finish in the top two of his semi-final heat, and when he was coming around the final turn, he was in a tight pack of runners when he felt something clip his foot.

Jewitt lost his balance, and went tumbling and rolling, in the biggest race of his life, and took out Botswanan runner Nijel Amos with him.

Devastated, Jewett scraped himself off, extended his hand to Amos, and pulled him up.

Amos said, "I'm sorry."

Jewett said, "Let's just finish the race.

Jewett and Amos FINISHED the race together, shoulder to shoulder, nearly a minute behind the winners. But they FINISHED.

Regardless of how mad you are, you have to be a hero at the end of the day," Jewett said. "That was my version of trying to be a hero, standing up and showing good character, even if it's my rival or whoever I'm racing or if anything happened. I don't want to show any bad blood, because that's what heroes do. They show their humanity through who they are."

That is a powerful message. Isaiah Jewett had every right to be upset with Amos. He trained his whole life for that moment, only for it to be taken away. But instead of being angry, he modeled what a true hero was.

At that moment, he was the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).

This year is starting to wind down. We only have a few weeks until Christmas, and then one more before we start the new year. Trials and tribulations are sure to hit during the holiday season. They definitely hit Jewett, but he still FINISHED his race, and it is important for us to FINISH the year strong. 

Jesus told us that FINISHING strong won't always be easy. Storms will surely hit us all during this final stretch. But we have Jesus to look to and call on when the storms hit.

In Psalm 107:28-41, it was written, "Yet when they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, the Lord brought them out of their distress. He calmed the storm and its waves quieted down. So they rejoiced that the waves became quiet, and he led them to their desired haven."

In Timothy 2:4, Paul is a great example of FINISHING strong. Paul was spending his last moments of life in prison when he wrote to Timothy, encouraging him to keep his head in all situations, endure hardship, and do the work of the ministry."

Instead of laying down in his cell to die, Paul wrote some powerful and inspiring words from prison during his final days. He FINISHED his race, and he FINISHED it strong. 

Instead of laying down on the track, instead of pouting and feeling sorry for himself, and instead of placing the blame on someone else, Isaiah Jewett picked himself up, picked his opponent up, and FINISHED his race.

With only a few weeks left of 2021, make a plan to FINISH the race of this year. FINISH strong, and try to help someone else FINISH their race strong too.

Prayer
Our Father. I want to FINISH my race. I want to FINISH my race strong. I want to also inspire and motivate others to FINISH their race strong. With only a few weeks left in this year, please help lead me, guide me, and show me how to FINISH this year strong and with positive energy and momentum into the next year. In Jesus's name I pray; amen.

For a Google doc version of this devo, click here: Week 48 | FINISH