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2 Timothy 4:6-7, For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 

Paul is getting ready to die.  He expresses to Timothy that his life has been poured out as a sacrificial drink offering.  He has given his whole life to the work of God in this world.  It’s been hard but God has given him the ability to persevere, to keep going, to not give up.  He says that he has finished the race of life, fought the fight, all the while keeping strong in the faith.  None of this was done in his own power but through the power of Jesus working in him.

As I read through Paul’s letters, we see how often he encountered obstacles.  This has been especially evident in 2 Timothy.  Paul has been abandoned by friends, imprisoned, tortured, shipwrecked, rejected, been in fear of his life, and yet he kept on going.  I often wonder if he ever contemplated quitting.  Regardless, he never did.  He continued to get up in the morning and do what God had called him to do, even when it was really hard.

At the end of your life (as Paul was at the end of his), what will be your thoughts about what you’ve done for Jesus?  I often say that when we are on our deathbed, all that matters will be who we’ve loved, who’s loved us, and what we’ve done for the Lord.  Where do you stand in those categories?

Let’s pray…Jesus, Give us wisdom and direction in what you want us to do in this world.  Guide us, lead us, reveal to us what’s next and then give us the strength and courage to do it!  More of you and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.