No Matter What

2Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Paul, who had been known as Saul of Tarsus, a converted persecutor of Christians, was nearing the end of his ministry. At the time of this letter’s writing to Timothy he was in prison and the verse above and the verse at the end were believed to be his surmising of his soon death...being martyred.
He had been encouraging Timothy, to whom this letter was written, in his own ministry.

You see, whether as an individual or church or ministry, we are called to run the race, to persevere, stay strong in Christ. We will have times when we can grow weary and when we may need or are given, by God, a time to rest. Then it’s time to get back to our work, whatever He has called us to do. And we were so reminded again in church yesterday that: 1) we are all necessary within a church. 2)
not all of our ministries will be the same, like pastors or elders or deacons (how strange would a physical body be if it were all thumbs! 3) we are not all equipped the same; like above, we will be at different levels in our walk and talents and not equal, but vital just the same.

In a race like any marathon or the Olympics, generally there will only be one winner. Some may quit because they are not strong enough and just get tired. Again, not all are at the same level. But there can be many who will finish the race. Finishing is still an achievement. Putting this in perspective with regard to God: I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

Some won’t even start this race. It may be considered too hard. I think about what scripture says about the things of the world and how meaningless life is without God. Solomon suggested this in Ecclesiastes when he said all was meaningless, a grasping for the wind; all vanity...and in the end...Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) 

Hard but true words. This earth should be considered temporary and heaven the home to look forward to. But that home comes with a price...devotion to God, following Him no matter what the cost, no matter what friends think, no matter the scorns and sneers and disagreements received. No matter what...running the race and enduring to the end.

I think about all those who were persecuted for their faith in the Bible. Then I think about the martyrs in today’s world. And then I think about Jesus who died for us, the persecution and suffering He endured. If He could endure, we certainly can, through His strength and His words of truth and peace. Then there's the fact that there will be a greater reward for all who have followed and endured. The greatest reward one can receive. One that this world cannot promise but Jesus can.

I will add, the shooting in a small town, in a small Texas church can be an example of enduring. We don’t know why God allowed this. We can know that if these people continue to have faith and trust in God they will be able to endure. God never told us that our life in Christ would be easy. We live in an evil world. We won’t see the results unless we trust in Him now but Jesus says this: These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Thank You, Lord. What a blessing to know You today. My great hope for my future. Praise You!

2Timothy 4:8 - 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.