2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NLT) As for me, my life has already been poured out
as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good
fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the
prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me
but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
I will admit this is a beautiful scripture and description
of someone who worked to advance a new type of religion against much opposition
and hardship. I can understand where he’s
coming from and we use this scripture often at funerals. Yet personally I don’t know if at the end I
want my life described as “fighting the good fight.” I live with God by my side. Life certainly has some struggles, some
challenges, and some disappointments. I
haven’t gotten things that I wanted; I’ve attempted some things and not claimed
the prize. There’s nothing like competitive horse showing to give one the
experience of winning and losing. And yet right along and intertwined with the
challenges and disappointments I’ve experienced joy and love and friendships
and personal achievements. In all these
things I know God is with me. So don’t
say I have fought a fight. Say I have
met life’s sorrows and struggles with the joy of the Lord sustaining me and
with many, many wonderful blessings.
Thank you God for this day on which I and others can rest
from their labor. Help us to view life
not as a fight, but one with blessings and challenges. Help us to always feel
your sustaining presence with us through the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Happy
Labor Day,Paige
No comments:
Post a Comment