Endeavor To Persevere

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (2Timothy 4:6-8 KJV)

Each year, on its last day, I wonder just how to review it. What was important? All of it, each and every day. Do I mention blessings received? There are too many to relate. Something memorable perhaps? At the time of their occurrence, each one was remarkable.

But I decided that a personal review is always in order. And I found the Apostle Paul's self-review to be a good model. It is honest and true. And he concluded, after all, "I am ready to be offered." Now there is a testimony to be noted, a legacy to receive, an example to follow.

Of course, one year does not record everything. It takes a lifetime to truly identify one's success. Yet, looking back in review, to conclude that I did my best in every battle gratifies the soul. To know that I have not compromised the faith is certainly edifying. To recognize that my work is complete and no more assignments exist is satisfaction complete.

But most of all to know that my Lord, the Righteous Judge, has a reward reserved for me, along with all the faithful, can only renew my determination to continue faithful. And when he is ready, "I am ready to be offered." This was the great Apostle's personal review of his ministry.

And here at the end of 2013, I want to follow Paul's example and be faithful to the end of my ministry and life.

Dear Father, thank you for your faithfulness to me and my family. Empower us with the determination to endure to the end. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Today faithfully persevere,