by Desiree Bustamante

Waiting for our eternal prize.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:8 New Living Translation

If you’ve ever entered a flower, or anything else, into a state fair competition, you know about waiting. Waiting for the flowers to grow, nurturing them into bloom, selecting the most beautiful one, transporting it to the fair, waiting for everyone to set up, waiting for the judging and waiting to see if you won a prize. It can seem like a long day, but if you win it’s worth it.

All of us who have faith in our Lord and Savior are in waiting mode for the ultimate prize—the crown of righteousness and entry into heaven. The wait seems unbearably long at times, but we pursue living our lives for God and His kingdom, waiting for His time of judgement. Thankfully, to God we are all prize-worthy because of the sacrifice of Jesus, so His grace assures us of a place in heaven.

It may seem like a long wait, but take heart and be patient in Him, for eternity with Christ will be the most precious prize of all!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Colorado Springs, Colorado