“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my
departure is at hand. 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.” (2Timothy 4:6-8 NKJ)
As Paul surveyed his ministry, he
realized it was over. He was ready to stand before “the righteous Judge.” With
great anticipation, he looked to “that Day” and encouraged all believers to
remain faithful.
Throughout his ministry, Paul modeled
faithfulness to Christ. It would have been so easy for Paul to give up during his
hardships, but he remained steadfast to the truth. With Paul, there were no
half-hearted attempts at faithfulness. His zeal didn’t burn only in the good
times. When life was good, Paul was faithful! When life fell apart at the
seams, Paul was faithful! In his darkest moments, Paul sang praises to God!
faithfulness to Christ. It would have been so easy for Paul to give up during his
hardships, but he remained steadfast to the truth. With Paul, there were no
half-hearted attempts at faithfulness. His zeal didn’t burn only in the good
times. When life was good, Paul was faithful! When life fell apart at the
seams, Paul was faithful! In his darkest moments, Paul sang praises to God!
Fully committed to the One who
changed his life, Paul focused on the blessed hope of the returning Savior and remained
faithful to him. What a testimony Paul left for us! Against all the odds, he finished
faith’s marathon! A revered old hymn captures Paul’s sentiment, “I’ve fought a
good fight, I’ve kept the faith, amazing grace has won the race swing wide
those gates, I’m coming home.” At the end of his life, Paul’s focus was firmly
fixed on heaven’s welcome.
changed his life, Paul focused on the blessed hope of the returning Savior and remained
faithful to him. What a testimony Paul left for us! Against all the odds, he finished
faith’s marathon! A revered old hymn captures Paul’s sentiment, “I’ve fought a
good fight, I’ve kept the faith, amazing grace has won the race swing wide
those gates, I’m coming home.” At the end of his life, Paul’s focus was firmly
fixed on heaven’s welcome.
Hear the joy in Paul’s words, “I
have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. The
crown of righteousness is reserved there for me.” Paul’s words to Timothy teach us that we can make
it too. It is a personal choice.
have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. The
crown of righteousness is reserved there for me.” Paul’s words to Timothy teach us that we can make
it too. It is a personal choice.
Dear Father, thank you for Paul’s
example. Empower our commitment to finish the race. This I pray in the name of
Jesus. AMEN
example. Empower our commitment to finish the race. This I pray in the name of
Jesus. AMEN
Focus on finishing,
(co-authored with Bobbie Smith)