MAY 30

2 Timothy 4:7

ARE YOU A GOOD FIGHTER

Mark and his mother were at the hospital to visit Aunt Lillian. Now, "Aunt"Lillian wasn’t really anyone’s aunt.It was just an affectionate nickname given to her by the many, many children she had taught in Sunday school in the past years. "How good to see you," Aunt Lillian greeted her visitors. "How are you doing?" Mark’s mother asked.

"Oh, just fine! I’ve been able to witness to the man across the hall and had a good opportunity to share my faith with some of the nurses, too," replied Aunt Lillian excitedly. "I know the Lord put me here for a purpose, and I figure that purpose is to be cheerful and share His love with others. But, oh, how I wish He’d come back! Wouldn’t it be glorious if He came today?" Several times during their conversation, Aunt Lillian referred to her desire for Jesus to return.

"Aunt Lillian is surely ‘ fighting a good fight,’" observed Mother as she and Mark left.

"Fighting?" asked Mark, puzzled. "You always tell me not to fight."

"She isn’t getting into any fist fights," Mother assured Mark. "What I mean is that she’s working hard at serving the Lord, even in the hospital. She’s doing all she can to be a witness for Him."

"She sure is cheerful about everything," observed Mark.
Mother nodded."Even her cheerful attitude is a testimony,"she said. "No wonder she’s looking forward to the Lord’s return–she’s living a life pleasing to Him." Mother paused. "She puts me to shame sometimes. I’m often so busy that I don’t even think about His return for long periods at a time." Mark was listening carefully to Mother. "Me, either," he confessed. "I guess I should."

Thought: Are you living in such a way that you would be happy to have the Lord return today? Are you obedient, helpful, and witnessing for the Lord? Are you developing love, patience, kindness? In other words, are you ‘ fighting a good fight’ for the Lord? Maybe you’d like to make a poster to hang in your room as a reminder that He is coming. You could use the simple motto "Perhaps today..." As you think about His coming, examine your life and your attitude, and make up your mind to live a life that is pleasing to Him in every way.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I learn how to be like the Apostle Paul in today’s verse to ght the good fight of a Christian soldier. I know that will not be easy, but I also know that if I turn to Heavenly Father for help consistently, I will be able to do it. In Jesus’ name I pray – amen.