Scripture – 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”

 Observation – Paul is about to “depart” this world, but knows he has fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. It has been a fight against much opposition for many years. Satan has been after him, people have left him and it has not been easy. Yet he has done this with great faith and faithfulness.

 Application – This is every committed Christian’s dream – to have fought a good fight; finished the race and kept the faith. What awaits Paul and all who love the Lord’s appearing is a crown of righteousness.

This is a strong encouragement for us to keep in going with the Lord in spite of the many difficulties that we face. Circumstances were certainly bad through much of Paul’s ministry but he had learned how to walk with the Lord through it all.

Like Paul, I certainly need an abundance of God’s grace to live this Christian life. Thank God He has provided it. I can’t think of anything worse than to fail towards the end and not finish the race. Towards the end many do appear to ‘drop the ball’ in one way or another. It does not necessarily mean they don’t make it to heaven; it just means that they could have left having completed their life’s calling.

Prayer – Lord I ask for an extra input of grace to enable me to fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. I know I will continue to believe in you all the way through, however I would love to fulfil your purpose and plans for my life. Thank You for GRACE.