Longing for Home

555 Devotional: Longing for Home

Life is often described as a race—not a short sprint, but a long, challenging marathon. As followers of Christ, we are called to run this race of faith with perseverance, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and letting go of the things that hold us back.
This week’s devotional is designed to help you reflect on what it means to faithfully run the race God has set before you. Through scripture, journaling, and prayer, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Learn from the faithful witnesses who have gone before us.
Identify and let go of the distractions and sins that weigh you down.
Focus on Jesus as the perfect example and strength for your race.
Find joy in the eternal reward that awaits you at the finish line.
Whether you feel energized or weary in your walk with Christ, this devotional will remind you that you’re not running alone. God is with you every step of the way, and the ultimate goal—being with Him forever—is worth every ounce of effort.
Take these 15 minutes each day to slow down, reflect, and realign your heart with God’s purpose for your life. Let’s press on together, fixing our eyes on Jesus and running toward the joy set before us.

Day 1: Surrounded by Witnesses
Scripture (5 Minutes):
Hebrews 11:1-2, 39-40
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for… These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Journal (5 Minutes):
Write about one person from the Bible whose faith inspires you (e.g., Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab). How does their story encourage you to keep going in your own race of faith?
Who in your personal life is like a “cloud of witness” to you? Reflect on what their example teaches you about trusting God.

Pray (5 Minutes):
Thank God for the faithful witnesses who have gone before you, both in scripture and in your life.
Pray for the strength to live as a witness to others, showing them God’s faithfulness through your life.

Day 2: Letting Go of Distractions and Sin
Scripture (5 Minutes):
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Journal (5 Minutes):
What burdens are you carrying right now—worries, distractions, or sins—that are slowing down your faith journey?
Reflect on what it would feel like to lay those burdens at Jesus’ feet. Write about how letting go of them might give you freedom to run your race more faithfully.

Pray (5 Minutes):
Surrender your distractions and sins to God, asking Him to help you let go of the things that hinder you.
Thank Jesus for His invitation to rest in Him and ask for the courage to accept His help in your race.

Day 3: Running with Perseverance
Scripture (5 Minutes):
2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Journal (5 Minutes):
Reflect on Paul’s words in this passage. How does the image of finishing the race encourage you when life feels overwhelming?
Write about a challenge you’re currently facing in your race of faith. How can God help you persevere through it?

Pray (5 Minutes):
Ask God for strength and perseverance to face the challenges in your life today.
Thank Him for the promise of eternal life and the “crown of righteousness” awaiting all who finish the race.

Day 4: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
Scripture (5 Minutes):
Matthew 14:28-31
‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’

Journal (5 Minutes):
What are the “waves” or “storms” in your life that distract you from focusing on Jesus?
Reflect on how Peter cried out for help and how Jesus immediately reached for him. How can this story encourage you to refocus on Jesus when you feel overwhelmed?

Pray (5 Minutes):
Ask Jesus to help you keep your eyes on Him, even when life feels chaotic.
Thank Him for always being there to catch you when you fall or lose focus.

Day 5: The Joy Set Before Us
Scripture (5 Minutes):
Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Journal (5 Minutes):
What is the “goal” or “prize” that you’re pressing toward in your faith journey? Reflect on what heaven means to you.
Write about how focusing on eternity with Jesus motivates you to keep going when life feels hard.

Pray (5 Minutes):
Thank God for the promise of eternal life and the joy of being with Him forever.
Ask Him to give you strength to keep pressing forward, no matter what challenges you face today.