I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
This is what Jesus says to all who wish to follow Him: "If you want to follow Me, you must deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Me." When we decide to follow Jesus, we should not be surprised when life turns upside down. There will be challenges and struggles in so many different ways that come our way.
When Paul was in prison and nearing the end of his life he wrote this passage: "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race... I have kept the faith." Even though he knew he was about to die, he never lost his faith in Jesus Christ, but trusted Him based on the truth of His words. Because he believed in Jesus and knew that greater and better rewards awaited him, he gave up his life and took up his cross.
As Christians, each of us has a race to finish. When it comes time to finish your race, can you say the same thing as Paul? Now ask yourself these questions: Have I fought the good fight so far? Have I run the race set before me with perseverance? How will I cross the finish line? Will I cross this line with humility, knowing that it was faith that was my strength and that it was Jesus who ensured my victory and my arrival?
Today, as you read this message, I want you to ask yourself these questions. Whatever your answers, I want to encourage you to deepen your relationship with God, to seek Him more and more. Make Him your priority. Whatever the circumstances in your life, just keep your faith, keep fighting the good fight because God has your back.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.