DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
APRIL 17, 2026
READ: 2 Timothy 4 (Focus vs. 6-8)
MEMORY VERSE
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
BACKGROUND
Mark—a marathoner and a dedicated pastor who served two churches over the span of thirty-five years—recently retired. One gift presented to him was a pair of new running shoes.
I ran with Mark once over twenty years ago, but throughout his life, he’s run the 26.2-mile race in numerous cities across the country.
At his retirement celebration, people from the community and the churches he served also expressed their appreciation for Mark’s faithfulness. Because of God’s power and grace, Mark finished well.
Life’s more like a marathon than a sprint. At times we experience fatigue and we feel like giving up. Yet God’s grace and strength are unending for those who trust Him.
As the imprisoned apostle Paul neared the finish line of life (2 Timothy 4:6), he encouraged his protégé Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (v. 7). Life’s paths take us to different places.
But regardless of where we are on life’s journey, it’s always good to remember that faith-filled endurance is essential and rewarding (v. 8); that God is the source of our strength (v. 17); and that, by His grace, he “will bring [us] safely to his heavenly kingdom” (v. 18).
Arthur Jackson
INSIGHT
It’s remarkable to consider how much the apostle Paul suffered in his service for Christ and the gospel (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-28), and yet he stayed true to his calling and “finished the race” that had been set before him (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
How was he able to endure such hardship? He answered that question himself in 2 Corinthians 12:9 while discussing one particular season of suffering. He learned that God’s grace was sufficient, and his weakness wasn’t a liability:
“[The Lord] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ ” It was the opening through which God’s mighty power could flow. Today, when we face trials that cause us to feel like giving up, we can lean into His grace and rest in His power and strength.
Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
When have you experienced God’s strength even as you wanted to give up? How can others’ Spirit-empowered endurance inspire you?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Life’s more like a marathon than a sprint. At times we experience fatigue and we feel like giving up. Yet God’s grace and strength are unending for those who trust Him.”
PR’s TAKE
“The enemy fights the hardest when you are close to your breakthrough. Know that your best days are ahead and no weapon formed will prosper.” Germany Kent
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. “ Martin Luther King Jr.
PRAYER
“Dear Father, please help me to ever be mindful that those who trust in You are candidates for supernatural strength—“they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”” (Isaiah 40:31).
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“NO NOT ONE”
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus.
No, not one! No, not one!
None else could heal all our soul’s diseases.
No, not one! No, not one!
Jesus knows all about our struggles;
He will guide till the day is done.
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus.
No, not one! No, not one!
No friend like Him is so high and holy.
No, not one! No, not one!
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly.
No, not one! No, not one!
Jesus knows all about our struggles;
He will guide till the day is done…
There’s not an hour that He is not near us.
No, not one! No, not one!
No night so dark but His love can cheer us.
No, not one! No, not one!
Jesus knows all about our struggles;
He will guide till the day is done…
Did ever saint find this Friend forsake him?
No, not one! No, not one!
Or sinner find that He would not take him?
No, not one! No, not one!
Jesus knows all about our struggles;
He will guide till the day is done…
Was e’er a gift like the Savior given?
No, not one! No, not one!
Will He refuse us a home in heaven?
No, not one! No, not one!
Jesus knows all about our struggles;
He will guide till the day is done.
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus.
No, not one! No, not one!
