Stay strong to finish strong

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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 Tim. 4: 7,8).   It is always easier to give up, give in, and give over to defeat. It is easy to start off with passion and yet end up in defeat. Two million Jews had the passion to get out of Egypt, but never had the strength to enter their promised land. Many great privileges turn into great perils and many great dreams turn into nightmares because of lack of perseverance, determination, patience, and undaunted faith.   Paul described the fight in life as a 'good' fight because the victory is guaranteed when you put your trust in God, and live a life with intentional purpose. He later wrote: "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 15:57). When God is you, all His power, love, and mercy is available to you as you persevere towards your goals. When God is you all His encouragement, rescue, intervention, and sponsorship is yours. withfor   Paul kept his mind on his prize, 'a crown of righteousness', and it gave him the strength to endure present trials as fleeting moments in light of his prize. He wrote, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Cor. 4:8-9). Whatever you are facing today, keep fighting the good fight of faith for the LORD your God is with you. God is your Shepherd, Strength, Helper, and King of Glory. Stay strong to finish strong for there is a crown of righteousness that is in store for you.   Kingdom Declaration: I will stay strong to finish strong and give all glory to my God.   Read the Bible in One Year: Psalm 33,34; Acts 24. @Dr Pat Francis @chayil$