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2 TIMOTHY 4:1-8 (NLT)
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
REFERENCES: REVELATION 12:11; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:7
What have you been pouring your life into? We spend so much time in different areas of our lives, such as our jobs, relationships, and projects, but do we ever stop and question what we are actually doing for God's kingdom? Paul's letter to Timothy encourages us not to be afraid of living and sharing the truth of God’s word even when it means suffering for the Lord. Although this call to a higher standard, can make us feel uncomfortable, God only desires for us to stretch and grow into his purpose for our lives. After all, greatness always requires temporary discomfort, and those who operate in it lean into the pain. When we live our lives not settling for what we want but rather according to what we need, we can live our calling to the fullest and like Paul, pour out the greatness God has deposited in us for the sake of others and eternity.
I want to live full and die empty for the sake of eternity.
“No pain, no gain.” Although this may be a cliché, these words are true in our journey of following Jesus. Our calling is to imitate Christ’s sacrifice, therefore a walk with Christ will be sacrificial. Living by the power of Christ can help us endure temporary pain, for the sake of eternity.
As children of God we have a responsibility to keep a clear mind in every situation as the scripture instructs. Thus, it is important that we take time to reflect on our experiences and allow the Holy Spirit to shed light. Only then, can we effectively turn our successes and failures, triumphs and trials, into purpose that will bring wisdom to others.
You contain an uncommon treasure that needs to be shared with others. This requires getting out of your comfort zone, framing your reflections on the word, power, and presence of God, and being willing to challenge and change different areas of your life. God desires that you execute on the greatness he has placed inside of you and oftentimes going through discomfort is the only set course to achieve that greatness. Along your course, be intentional to pour out the insight of knowing God is faithful in spite of our experiences. All that you have gone through can be used for good, down to the very last drop. In pouring yourself out, you will discover God has greater for you than you’ve experienced. In the end, the only thing that matters and what will last for eternity is what we do for God’s kingdom. God is calling us to walk forward on the way of righteousness. No matter how uncomfortable the walk may seem, remember God is with you every step of the way.
This week, identify something that God has placed inside of you and ask him for an opportunity to use that blessing to pour into someone else.
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