“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6-7).

The goal each of us aspires to is the ability to be able to say this at the end of our earthly journey. Paul didn’t fear death even though he knew it was inevitable and close at hand. Everything he taught demonstrated his confidence in knowing that he would leave this life to spend eternity with his Savior.

Paul was reflecting on the way he had lived. He knew that he had battled faithfully, had finished what God had ordained him to do and had never denied his faith—even in front of Nero and the Roman court. He had lived his life for this moment and he was confident that what Jesus had done for him would be enough to ease his transition into eternity.

This Scripture has been a mainstay for every believer. We do fight the fight of faith daily and we are running a race that seems to stretch us at times. Just knowing that we have held onto our faith and have continued to pursue our destiny will be reward enough. Jesus who sustained us for our time on earth will not disappoint us at the end.

Paul’s next comment reaches down through the years to offer hope to all of us. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).