To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 7, Day 2 - We are Called to Run the Race with Joyful Strength

Mark C. McCann | 10/21/2024

“And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, bound in the Spirit, not knowing what shall befall me there; except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

Acts 20:22–24

Paul was no weakling. He suffered greatly at the hands of those who wished to silence the message of the Gospel; yet he never wavered in his devotion to Christ. He was scourged, stoned, and shipwrecked. His opponents belittled him, lied about his motives, and slandered his name among the churches he founded. But no matter what the circumstances, Paul had one goal in mind, and he longed with all his heart to complete that goal and win the prize that awaited him. What motivated this tireless saint of God? It was the great joy he experienced through the love of Jesus.

We, too, are commanded to live out our calling to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our words and deeds. We are to finish the journey with joy as we receive our strength from the One who holds out the prize of salvation to all who come to him in faith. The cross gives us the power to run the race and to endure with joy until the end. In Christ, the source of all our joy, we can and will make it across the finish line!

Questions for Reflection

What keeps you from focusing on the goal of your salvation in Christ?

How can we experience joy even in the midst of great sufferings, as Paul did? Do you believe that this is possible?

Who in your life could use some cheering on to persevere in running the race?

Praying with Scripture

The LORD is my strength and my song,

and he has become my salvation;

this is my God, and I will praise him,

my father’s God, and I will exalt him. (Ex 15:2)

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE

You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE

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About the Author

Mark C. McCann

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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.