Pain and Struggle 

What are the consequences of struggle in our lives? Is there a reward? Can something go wrong?

The apostle Paul is at a point of reflecting. He writes to his friend Timothy the following:

Perseverance in Hardship 

When we look back at what we have experienced, it may seem that our life was full of struggle. The pains can sometimes weigh heavily. However, so far it has been possible to persevere and remain.

This Bible passage deals with the struggle related to preaching of the gospel. Paul founded new churches, many people came to faith and new leaders were trained. But that did not go without a fight. However, it is a good fight. When we commit our lives to serve God, we can keep this in mind: The work set out before us is difficult, but it is worth it.

Keep Faith

It is wise to keep an eye on our spiritual pulse now and then to see how our faith is doing. When we preserve our faith after a time of great troubles, we find that our faith has become stronger. Faith does not grow when it is being pampered. Faith grows in oppression. 

A wreath as a reward!

We see what awaits us when we look forward. The crown of righteousness means that we may stand in righteousness before God’s throne. No condemnation, no punishment, but a wreath instead (see Romans 8:1 and Revelations 4:4)

We do not receive this wreath because of our good work, but because of our faith. Our faith that has remained through struggle and pain. We do not work to earn our salvation, we work for our King.

Our life with God may be a struggle sometimes, but our faith doesn’t need to suffer. Our righteousness is already assured. That is why we fight this battle, out of our love for Him.