Today’s reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Writing with the knowledge that his life will likely be taken from him in the near future, Paul looks back and reflects on his spiritual past. He then puts his life example before Timothy as an encouragement for Timothy to follow in his footsteps. The example is surely a good one. Paul tells Timothy he has served God fully and well–fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith–and how as a result, Paul will be a recipient of special rewards in heaven for his faithful service to God while he was on earth.
Reflecting back on our spiritual lives is a good exercise to help us live even better as we move forward. Our spiritual growth is an ongoing process that includes setbacks, hardship and difficulties. And because we’re human, we’re not perfect (and neither was Paul, by the way). So if you’re thinking: “I’m no Paul. I’ve had a bunch of stumbles. I’ve let God down. I don’t feel like I’ve done my best.” you’re not alone. We can’t go back and change something we did yesterday, last month, last year or beyond that. The past is the past. BUT…we have the power and the ability to change how we do things from this moment forward. And, when we ask God to help us and we then make those changes, the next time we look back we will be able to join Paul in saying “I am fighting the good fight. I am running the race, and I am keeping the faith!”
Would you take a few minutes today to do some reflecting with me? Ask yourself “How am I doing spiritually? Am I fighting the good fight? Am I keeping the faith?” Then, no matter what your answer, ask God to help you do even better. Ask Him to show you some specific ways you can be bolder for Him, how you can live with more confidence, if there are things He wants you to do. Ask Him to give you wisdom, strength and power so that you can run the race to the best of your ability. Tami
Source: Tami’s Blog
