Certainty in an Uncertain Life

Scriptures: “I have fought the good fight...” (II Timothy 4:7)

In the movie Gladiator, Russell Crowe played the role of a Roman general betrayed by his emperor and lost his position and family to this political persecution. Later, he was captured and sold into slavery and, then, to a gladiator school. But, because of his exceptional combat skills, he rose through the ranks and became a very popular gladiator in the Coliseum. Because of his fame and popularity, he came to meet the emperor who killed his family right there in the arena and was able to avenge himself on the emperor with the price of his own life.

As the name of the movie indicates, this is a story about a gladiator. Therefore, there were a lot of scenes of gladiator fighting in the movie. Every time I see them, I couldn’t help wondering if those were the pictures Paul had in mind when he said, “I have fought the good fight…” (II Timothy 4:7) because, later on in the passage, he said, “…And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.” (II Timothy 4:17)

As I meditated on this statement of Paul, “I have fought the good fight…” (II Timothy 4:7), I sensed the certainty in his heart. He had fought the good fight! It was over. He finished the fight and he knew what it was all about.

There are many fighting in life. Many are for wealth, power, earthly pleasures, lust, pride, and survivals. But Paul did not fight for any of these. He didn’t just fight any fight. He fought the “good fight” because he knew what fight needs to be fought. In the book of Ephesians, he said, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12) Yes, he picked his fight. His life had a focus and, because he submitted to our Lord Jesus and the leading of His Spirit, Paul did not live his life in a reactive manner, but a proactive manner in which he choose the fight he was called to. And I ask myself, how about me? Am I picking the good fight like Paul? Or, am I simply reacting to whatever life throws at me?

Paul knew what good fight he needed to fight because he knew our Lord who called him to fight. In spite of the persecutions and sufferings he had in life, he said, “…Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” (II Timothy 1:12) He not only knew about our Lord Jesus, he knew Jesus in such a personal way that he saw no doubts or uncertainties in life. The situation may change and his possessions may be taken away from him, through them all, he saw the one who called him and the cause of his calling standing still. He was more than convinced of the meaning and purpose of his ministries. I believe such clarity, focus and dedication were unmovable, powerful and essential in living a godly life.

Where are you today? Are you wondering where life is taking you? Are you questioning Jesus for His purpose of the dilemma or difficulties you are facing right now? Or, are you wondering what would God have you do for His Kingdom? May the Spirit of God open our hearts so we may know the hope to which He has called us! (Ephesians 1:18)

Prayer Requests:
For those who live their lives from day to day like a floating leaf on the water

Prayer:
Father God, thank You for leading us back to You through Your Son Jesus. We ask that You open our eyes so we may see and be confident of Your continual leading in life and be able to follow You in fighting the good fight for our Lord Jesus. In the precious name of our Lord Jesus, Amen!