2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 (NRSV)
Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 on biblegateway.com
Verse 6As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. Verse 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Verse 8From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Verse 16At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! Verse 17But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. Verse 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Devotion
I hope that when the time for my departure comes I will be able to say with Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Then, as I consider my life, I realize that this should be my prayer every day, for each day has its fights, its races, and its challenges to the faith. How do you feel at the end of the day? Surely some have ended better than others. Through it all, the joys and the challenges, always remember that “God stands by you to give you strength.” What more could we possibly ask for?
God’s crown of righteousness is not ours to take; we do not deserve it. It is given to us through God’s amazing grace. Rejoice in what has been given to you; live in the sure and certain knowledge of the love of God.
Prayer
O Lord, help us this day to see you in all that happens to us, the joys and the challenges. Amen.