Paul wrote, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not for me only but also for all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-7).

Paul gave all he had because his life was hidden in Christ. Our lives are hidden in Christ. Our future is wrapped up in Christ. Jesus is our everything, and we should him everything.

Paul was content with the end of this life drawing near because he had confidence in his past. He said “I have fought” and “I have run”. Lets live today so we can look back on yesterday tomorrow with confidence.

Paul was excited about the future because he knew who held his future. He said ” there is laid up for me a crown if righteousness.”. He didn’t say “there might be” or “I hope there is.”. He said there is laid up for me. His confidence was in Christ and his faithfulness.

Let us be confident in our future just as we are confident in our past. When we trust Jesus entirely and serve him completely, when we give our all for the one who has given us all, then we can have that confidence. Lets serve the Lord. Serve him with gladness. Serve him with sincerity. Serve him with zeal. Serve him with all we have. Lets give him our all. He has given his all for us.