FINISHING STRONG

Read: 2 Corinthians 11:23-29

Meditation verse:

““I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

It is debatable whether any biblical character, apart from Jesus himself, lived a more fulfilled life than the Apostle, Paul. As a Jewish leader, Saul was blameless concerning the righteousness in the law and he performed his duties with a zeal that no other could match. He had an enviable pedigree that very few could boast of. Circumcised on the eighth day and a Hebrew of Hebrews, Saul, as he was referred to then, was from the tribe of Benjamin; a tribe greatly esteemed among the Jews. He was also a Pharisee – the very devout Jewish sect known for their deep knowledge of Jewish laws and their ability to keep the laws of Moses to the last detail (Phil 3: 4-6).

As Paul the apostle, he pursued his God-given mandate with an even greater zeal. In chains or as a free man, Paul preached the gospel, planted several churches, and wrote letters to these churches. His letters are a large part of the New Testament. Today’s passage gives a brief outline of what Paul endured in his quest to fulfill his assignment. In ministry, commitment to service, conduct, lifestyle, devotion, sincerity and diligence, Apostle Paul could not be faulted. He fought a good fight, kept the faith, finished strong and gave an excellent valedictory speech in 2 Timothy 4:7.

What about you and I? When all is said and done, can we confidently say that we have kept the faith? Our lives or ministries may not entail the intense suffering that Paul endured, but we have been called to a life of witnessing for Christ and in so doing, we may suffer some inconveniences. Will we keep the faith and finish strong? Someday, we will stand before the righteous Judge to give an account of our stewardship. Will He say, “well done, good and faithful servant” or will He say, “depart from me, you wicked and lazy servant”? (Mathew 25:23-26). The choice is ours to make.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye

Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest.

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:

Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com. I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.

I look forward to hearing from you.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.