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Daily Devotional

Atrophy or a Trophy?

By Dr. Carolyn Tennant
Read 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Atrophy is a natural law unless exertion is made to counteract it. Skills and talents, disciplines and learning we had once gained will all deteriorate without use.

We are told to “be prepared in season and out of season,” ready for whatever God has for us. Preaching and teaching, correction and encouragement are all to be at the surface of our lives and readily available for our immediate use. We are to keep our heads on straight and to endure whatever difficulties might arise in our lives, continuing to discharge our duties in ministry and leadership. Though this may be a costly sacrifice, these moves keep us from atrophying.

Because Paul had experienced these things and had not given up in the fight, he knew that he had successfully finished the race. With complete assurance, he could say that he had kept the faith. Even when he hadn’t felt like it, he had continued on anyway. When tempted to give up, he had pressed on instead. When the pressure seemed too great and collapse appeared to be inevitable, he chose to keep running.

Think about the joy of Paul as he made the triumphant comment that he had kept the faith. He knew he was a winner, as opposed to someone who had defected, quitting in the middle of the battle. Paul had his eyes on the trophy. He could picture that “crown of righteousness” which the Lord would award him in heaven.

Sometimes we do not place such a reward clearly enough in our minds. We lose focus on the prize. Perhaps we feel it is prideful to think about this or maybe we simply have a weak picture of heaven. However, I believe God would encourage us to keep our eyes on that trophy—to run hard to win it. Without this goal in our minds, it is far too cozy to sit down on the job. Which will it be? Atrophy or a trophy?

DR. CAROLYN TENNANT is a Professor of English at North Central University, an Assemblies of God school located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is an ordained Assemblies of God minister who maintains an active schedule preaching in churches, district events, family camps and overseas.

The devotionals you enjoy each day on Leaders Unlimited are taken from Frontline: A Devotional Guide for Christian Leaders, by Dr. Carolyn Tennant. To order your own copy, download a Frontline Order Form.