It's a Good Fight~

A post Father's Day greeting to all:)

 

Today we wrap up with some interesting news. After Pam's amazing missionary trip she came back to Miami and prepared to--of all things--retire as a pediatrician.

 

She was already planning to do this before she left on her trip. And going on that adventure was, as they say, the cherry on top. The final flourish on a long and rewarding career.

 

So today's topic is about finishing strong.

 

It's not as though Pam is about to sit back and do nothing. She's about to start a new season of life, and as she contemplates the details of that, we will think about what it means to go out on top.

 

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."

 

I am not saying Pam's mission in life is over--hardly.

 

I am saying that while she was in service as a doc there were good days and bad days. Somedays were easier than others. Somedays were happy and some were sad. Some were replete with highs and others with lows.

 

But when you are doing what God created you to do--you do it. You fight through the rough knowing the easier is just around the corner. You run the race (sometimes it's a rat race) with God's vigor that He infuses into you when you pray. And no matter what--no matter how hard it becomes, how discouraged you get, how overwhelming it feels--you remain faithful. Not perfect--FAITHFUL.

 

You press on ahead with prayer and faith. You stick with God and don't turn away from Him. You take Him your questions, your doubts, your concerns, your worries, your everything. You thank Him for your joys and blessings. You don't hold anything back.

 

And when you do that, you finish strong--on top of the world like Pam--knowing you made a huge difference in someone's life. Reaping the pure joy that comes as a result.

 

And why? Because, 1 Samuel 26:23, "The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness."

 

When we think of rewards we think in terms of currency, like cash.

 

But my dear, sweet friends, there are all kinds of currency in this world. I know more folks right now who would prefer peace over dollars. Family restoration over gold. Joy and contentment over a new car.

 

You can be faithful, full of faith, right where you are. Everyone around you will benefit from someone who is fighting the good fight. It's a fight because it's not easy to day-in/day-out take care of kids, run a household, be a sounding board for your spouse or someone at work...You get the drift.

 

If we, however, will put up our dukes and fold them into praying hands, we will be faithful and we will be rewarded.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, We come to You now because we need You. Without You we can not possibly fight the good fight. Yes, it's worth fighting for, but we get tired so easily. Fill us up with perseverance today so that we are rewarded by You. In Jesus' name, AMEN~