So have said many after the past weeks of sport.

For others, they have finished a far greater and more important race – THE RACE OF LIFE. Paul, a servant of God, could write in his final letter ‘I have fought the good fight, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing’ 2 Timothy chapter 4 verses 7-8.

Despite his weaknesses and failures, Paul had depended on His Unfailing Saviour all his life in so many ways and at so many times:

• Unfailing Mercy – ‘… but I obtained mercy … This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief’ 1 Timothy chapter 1 verses 13, 15.
• Unfailing Grace – ‘He (the Lord Jesus) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” 2 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 9.
• Unfailing Presence – ‘But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me’ 2 Timothy chapter 4 verse 17.

Keep on dear Christian friend. The Saviour will not fail you and help you too to say ‘I have fought the good fight, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I have kept the faith.