2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Bible Reading for a Year [bible]psalm40[/bible]; [bible]itimo4[/bible]; [bible]isaia33-34[/bible]
It has been three days since the internet connection, both at home and campus, lost. Perhaps due to the same provider, the internet connection in both places where I work has the same problem. My work should have been done in ten minutes, but now it takes hours to finish. I am stressed and upset. But then I am reminded again of keeping the faith. I should not be either upset or angry in any circumstances. Faith always enables us to not keep complaining.
This event reminds me of wise saying “All’s well that ends well”, also known as title of a play by Shakespeare in the early 1600s. This saying is to remind us that every problem is fine as long as it is for the better and ends well.
What Joseph (Genesis 43-45) and Job had experienced are the examples of how persistent problems might come to those close to God. However, all ended well, for God is good and He promises us that everything is beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). That’s why we are encouraged to be grateful and joyful while entering the dark season of life.
Many people might think that when troubles come, their life is over. Some might give up, some try to take shortcuts, and some decide to end their lives. But those who have received God’s promise believe that the goal in this life is to be like Christ and to keep the faith and finish the race. In the end, the crown of life will be our rewards, and we will live eternally with Father.
Therefore, problem is not the end of everything. Keep asking God to confirm and strengthen us during the season; give thanks and praise God and rejoice in Him.
Suffering produces endurance and strengthens us to finish the race and keep the faith.