Some days are just overwhelming aren’t they? Paul is pouring out his heart to his spiritual son. He knows more than anyone what it is to be beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned and yet always focused on the mission. He is not writing theory but from his own experience.
“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.” (2 Timothy 4 v 5-6)
Effective ministry demands mental and emotional stability. We must maintain perspective when circumstances seem to overwhelm us. Alongside that we must continue to evangelise even when going through tough times. There is no time to back down but we must, with perseverance, continue to be faithful to the tasks God has set before us, especially during the tough time.
This is why Paul writes, speaking from his own experience of his life, for him it has been like a drink being poured out. This is wholehearted devotion.
Today your life with God will cost you, it will ask you not to hold anything back and most importantly it will be about God being glorified even during the pain and death. I went to sleep last night hearing of the death of Charlie Kirk in Utah, USA. He discharged all the duties and he absolutely poured out his life. Today, all around the world, others will follow. They follow Paul who knew where he was going. He faces death with remarkable peace. He’s not in denial about his circumstances, nor is he bitter about his suffering. Instead, he demonstrates the confidence that comes from a life well-lived in service to Christ. Paul’s not being morbid. No, he is finishing well because he lived well. He has been focused, faithful, and fully surrendered to God’s purposes.
Paul’s example inspires us to live with intentionality, share the gospel boldly, and pour out our lives as offerings to the One who gave everything for us and so does the life of Charlie Kirk.
Missions Paul 