These are powerful words spoken by a precious servant of the Lord.

“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…and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Please understand that all the words of Scripture are equally inspired. No words are more inspired and no words are less inspired in the original text. Having said that, please remember that there is something special about the words people say when they know their time is very short.

Paul sensed that he was coming to the end of his life. His words of readiness to meet the Lord were possible because of his determination to live for the Lord and walk with Him throughout his life. While it is impossible to go back and relive the times we failed and sinned, it is very possible to live the rest of our lives in close fellowship with the Lord. Such a decision will have a great influence on the way we view meeting the Lord. Though I have failed often and disappointed the Lord, I want to finish strong and live for Him now. When I come to the time of meeting the Lord and being with Him, I want to be able to say the same things as did Paul. How about you?

Something precious to remember: If I want to finish well later, I need to live well for the Lord now. What an encouragement and challenge!