FIGHTING, FINISHING AND FAITH
“What we weave in life will be worn in eternity.”
2Tim. 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 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.
When Paul spoke here of his reward, he was referring to a victor's wreath that would be placed upon his head by Jesus! I can't wrap my little brain around the joy Apostle Paul must have been feeling when he penned these words.
Paul spoke of fighting, finishing and faith. You and I truly have the same opportunity to serve our great King! Winning that coveted crown of righteous is a "fight" with the devil and perhaps worse, our own flesh. To "finish" our race, takes determination that can only be fueled in the fire of God's awesome presence. The psalmist said that the we find fullness of joy in the presence of the Lord.- Ps. 16:11. Nehemiah said, "that the joy of the Lord is our strength!" - Neh. 8:10. Keeping "faith" means that we refuse to believe anyone or anything that is contrary to what is revealed by God's Word and Spirit. Unlike Apostle Thomas, we believe before we see! (John 20:24-27) Satan will always try to contradict what God has said! Remember the devil's word's to Eve in the Garden, "Yeah, has God said?" (Gen. 3:1) Faith says, " Yes, God has said and that is good enough for me!"
Dear reader, it is good for us to stop and ask ourselves the questions, "What kind of eternal crown am I weaving in this life and am I truly excited about the return of Jesus Christ?
Every blessing!
—Tom