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.
2 Timothy 4:6-7 NIV
When Paul wrote this, he was in prison awaiting trial and likely execution. And as he came to the end of his journey, he had no regrets. He had fought the good fight of faith. He had finished the race laid out for him. And he had kept faith with his Lord. He was ready to depart.
Self-evaluation
Can I say the same? Am I fighting the good fight? Do I stand my ground in the face of the spiritual darkness in this world? Have I put on the armor God provides for me (Eph. 6:10-17)? Or do I run and hide when I come face-to-face with the enemy?
Am I running with perseverance the race set out before me (Heb. 12:1)? Do I get up every day with renewed commitment to keep running? Or have I wandered off course and gotten lost or given up on the race? Satisfied that I at least got off to a good start.
And am I keeping the faith, remaining true to the one who called me (Heb. 4:14)? Do I keep my heart and mind focused on things above (Col. 3:1-4)? Or have I been distracted by the cares, concerns, and pleasures of this world?
Lord, help me, as the time for my departure draws ever nearer, to live in such a way that there will be no regrets when I stand before you. To be able to say with Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” To finish with no regrets.
