But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy…..
                                                                                                                                                                                      —Act. 20:24 

On a daily basis as we live here on earth and in a world of uncertainties where cruelty, injustice and wickedness are the order of the day, we are bound to be disillusioned and lose focus, giving room to fear, which is the greatest enemy of every Christian. Satan seeks to paralyze us with fear as we journey in our race to eternity, with the intent to deny us the joy of running the race with hope, if we yield to his schemes. 

One of the secrets of the early church’s success in the spread of the gospel is that they loved not their lives unto death. Read the accounts of the heroes of the hall of fame in Hebrews 11. We often read Revelations 12:11 without giving due thoughts to the latter rendition: “and they did not love their lives to the death.” Testimony of our finishing the race may not be outstanding when we still live in fear of self, or of losing our lives. When we overcome the fear of losing our lives for the sake of the gospel, we become  as bold as Paul was. 

In the book of Acts 20, Paul was warned severally of the evil determined against him in Jerusalem, “…the Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me” (Act. 20:22-23). But none of this would deter a man like Paul on a mission with visions of his glorious end (Act.20: 24). 

Friends, what is your fear? Feed that fear with the hope of his calling in your life. A strong faith will keep you focused with determination to stay and maintain your focus on the race.