I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. From now on, the crown of righteousness is stored up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.
–2 Timothy 4:7-8
There is a certain satisfaction to checking off a list.
“These are the things I’ve accomplished,” the list proclaims. You feel satisfied. You spent your time well. You had goals and you met them.
The apostle Paul had a life list. In today’s verse, near the end of his life, he reviews his accomplishments.
Notice he doesn’t list the number of churches he started — though he started many. He doesn’t review the length of miles he spread the gospel — and he traveled far. He doesn’t even list the sacrifices of family, of time, of pleasure that he made. Nor does he name the important people he worked alongside.
Instead, he lists the accomplishments of his spirit: He persevered. Before authorities, in prison, on storm-struck boats, he didn’t lose faith. He kept believing. He kept trusting. That’s it. That’s his bucket list, filled.
All the great accomplishments of Paul’s life, God wrought out of his persevering spirit. Paul recognized that none of the things he did were really to his credit.
Paul asked. God answered. Paul trusted. God came through. Paul was willing. God directed his way.
God will do the same for us, if we ask Him. Why not put “ask God to increase my faith” on your life list today?
Prayer
Dear Lord, I want to follow You with the same confidence Paul had. Please help me “fight the good fight” every day, for Your sake. Thank You for being my Friend, as well as my Judge. Amen.
Reflection
What is on my spiritual Bucket List?