29 November | EVERYONE
«I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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.» 2 Timothy 4:7, 8
It is a cold morning in Jerusalem. A man, desperate because of the inconsistencies of his life, walks after hours of meditation and suffering. He looks tired, he moves slowly, as if he does not want to live anymore. Then he kneels and cries out through tears, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom. 7:24).
This man is Paul, the tireless apostle and key figure in the development of the first-century Christian church. What is the cause of his grief? Why does his soul seem to be torn between life and death? He is aware of his struggle. There are within his being two natures that fight each other to take control of his will. Paul longs to do God’s will, but suddenly finds himself walking his own ways. That is why he suffers, groans, and laments. He is sincere and does not understand what is happening. It will take you a while to understand the mysteries of your spiritual battle.
The most impressive thing about his story, however, is not his struggle, but the victorious end of his journey. Years after that early morning of tears, imprisoned in Rome, awaiting the emperor’s sentence, he wrote to his young friend Timothy a summary of his life. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
The life of every Christian is a battle. God’s enemy walks like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Every defeated life is a point in his favor and a reason for joy. Every failed life causes intense pain to Christ. He paid the price for our rescue.
Take Action
If you want to follow Jesus, do not expect a smooth and pleasurable life. Prepare for battle, always go forward, keep the faith, and come to the end of your days confident that the grace of God has victory in store for you. Sing “The Good Fight” (if possible, with your family).