" For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (NIV) 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Finding satisfaction and fulfillment in this world is of interest to many people. Those who live happy lives are those that find happiness and meaning to life’s daily ups and downs. What may be fulfilling and satisfying to one person may just be different for the other. In all these, one common thing in finding satisfaction and fulfillment in life is satisfying and fulfilling God’s plan for you. Like the servants, their response after discharging all their duties would be “…we are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’" (Luke 17:10 NIV).

Finding fulfillment and satisfaction in the Lord to a large extent therefore is knitted to fighting the good fight, finishing the race, keeping the faith. Life they say is war. Christians must seek to, despite the challenges of this world, put on the whole armour of God and fight on (Eph. 6:10-18). Each Christian is given a certain length of time and distance to cover. Each point of this race comes with its own characteristics. It involves climbing hills, descending the valleys and treading on the level paths. There are straight ways, curves, smooth paths and thorny roads. In all these, finding fulfillment involves understanding the nature of the race and striving to finish it. The competition is therefore not with other people racing but completing one’s tasks in the midst of the toils of this life.

Paul in Colossians 4:17 says “Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord." In addition to fighting and finishing the race, the Christian is also required to keep the faith. Keeping the faith is likened to keeping the rules of the game:” Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5 NIV). At the end of the fight and race, the crown is finally presented to those who have maintained their faith (kept the rules). Indeed there is no short cut to heaven. On that fateful day, the master will only reward those good and faithful servants (Matthew 25).

People must always remember the insatiable nature of human needs and wants. Those who seek fulfillment in riches never gets satisfied (Eccl. 5:10). Those who seek satisfaction in seeing new things never gets satisfied (Eccl. 1:8, Prov. 27:20). Our Lord and savior therefore cautions that man’s life does not consist on the things which he has (Luke 12:15). In the light of this, the apostle Paul advises that real wealth and gains is in godliness and contentment (1 Tim. 6:6).

May the Lord strengthen us to find satisfaction in Him alone. Get Inspired Daily! Stay Blessed!

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