2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day. (NAS95)
This scripture reminded me of a funeral I went to for a friend. She was a 99 year old woman whom we had known since she was in her seventies. The pastor used this Scripture to sum up the life of this faithful saint. It seems a good epitaph. None of us would like it said, “He gave up and didn’t fight to the end. He failed to do the will of God.” So how can we be sure that this Scripture will truthfully apply to our lives when we reach the end of our days?
Paul began his course years earlier with a clear understanding of where he was going. The Lord showed him when he was saved that he was to take the gospel to the Gentiles and that he would suffer much for Jesus.
Through the years he was faithful to God whether he was giving personal testimony, acting as a teaching elder in Antioch, working as a tentmaker, traveling as an itinerate evangelist, or as one in jail for his faith. It was this commitment to be a Christian in every circumstance of life that gave him the right to this epitaph. Knowing where he intended to end up enabled him from the beginning to head straight for the mark and end successfully.
Through the changes time brought, Paul never lost sight of the goal. When on trial for his faith (middle of the course) his defense was, “So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision.” Acts 26:19 (NAS95)
The middle years are probably the easiest to lose sight of the goal. There are so many things there to distract us. Disappointments and successes can cause our vision to be focused on this life rather than the goal of knowing Him.
My challenge to you this week is, do you know where you plan to end up?
If you aren’t sure where you are going you’ll not know when you’ve arrived. Take time to review. What has God called you to? Is the direction you are going getting you closer to that goal? May God bless and give you courage to run the race as one who intends to win the prize.
Rawlin Falk is pastor with Maple Park Alliance Church in Quesnel.