The Good Fight

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

There have been many wars in our nation’s history and many who have served and many who have died. They all “have fought a good fight” and “kept the faith” of our nation’s commitment to establish “liberty and justice for all” and to maintain this ideal in every generation. They fully merit our honor and heartfelt gratitude.

This 2 Timothy verse reminds us that there is another good fight going on, of course, every day in the life of each believing Christian. One commentary points out that the apostle Paul never served as a soldier in any human army, but he was often called on to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”. As a matter of fact, each of us must remember that “unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for His sake” – Philippians 1:29.

John 16:33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Come what may, the Lord’s plans and purposes overcome all opposition and malice against Him and His people. “Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war. With the cross of Jesus going on before.” In a world fallen in sin, there will always be hostile resistance by the desires of the flesh, the God-rejecting world system and the devil, but the Lord is working daily towards the goal of restoration in the mist of conflict and the children of God are to continue His good plan and purposes of redemption and reconciliation, bringing the gospel light, despite the darkness of disobedience and unbelief. Whatever comes, may God help us to be able to say in that day: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Someone will hear the truth about forgiveness and salvation, and then respond to His loving offer of grace, seeing the forest through the trees. Keep up the good fight.

Blessings.