https://odb.org/2026/04/17/strength-to-endure
2 Timothy 4:6–8 (NIV): 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 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.
Life’s more like a marathon than a sprint. At times we experience fatigue and we feel like giving up. Yet God’s grace and strength are unending for those who trust Him. As the imprisoned apostle Paul neared the finish line of life (2 Timothy 4:6), he encouraged his protégé Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (v. 7). Life’s paths take us to different places. But regardless of where we are on life’s journey, it’s always good to remember that faith-filled endurance is essential and rewarding (v. 8); that God is the source of our strength (v. 17); and that, by His grace, he “will bring [us] safely to his heavenly kingdom” (v. 18). (Arthur Jackson, Our Daily Bread 17th April 2026)
It’s remarkable to consider how much the apostle Paul suffered in his service for Christ and the gospel (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-28), and yet he stayed true to his calling and “finished the race” that had been set before him (2 Timothy 4:6-8). How was he able to endure such hardship? He answered that question himself in 2 Corinthians 12:9 while discussing one particular season of suffering. He learned that God’s grace was sufficient, and his weakness wasn’t a liability: “[The Lord] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ ” It was the opening through which God’s mighty power could flow. (Bill Crowder, Insight, Our Daily Bread 17th April 2026)
I recently went for a follow up blood test and it revealed that my glucose levels are now under control. But in these few months, I realised that as much as we who are diabetic (whether due to lifestyle or our genes or both) are targeting good HbA1c numbers (6.5 and below or at least below 7.0), it is the daily glucose spikes that we must really avoid, as much as we can. Thus, wearing a CGM (continuos glucose monitoring) device is a good practice to teach us in real time what food to avoid and what best to consume. For example, avoid industrial flour stuff, focus on fibres and proteins. Then, keep hydrated and physically active. I am very happy that my eGFR levels (a kidney function indicator) are now >90 and thus back to normal as I was on a downward trend towards the low 80s just 3 months ago. The point nevertheless is that this is a life-long thing, not so much a chase for quarterly HbA1c or even eGFR numbers.
Life is indeed a marathon. Our good health is a marathon. Our spiritual life is much more so. Bursts of spiritual brilliance or supernatural experiences will not do. What we need is long-term consistency. Our faithfulness to God is an hour by hour, minute by minute, daily thing. We must stay true to our calling every moment of our lives. Certainly not just on Sundays but every single day, every single moment!
Yes, there are ups and downs, trials and tribulations but we persevere on. We keep on fighting the good fight to finish the race in the faith. How? Paul said His grace is sufficient for me, His power is made perfect in me. When we live for God moment to moment, we experience His grace and power in our weaknesses, in our inadequacies and our lacks.
Have a good weekend ahead, everyone! Recharge ourselves for us to face life the week ahead! Pray that the Lord will grant us wisdom and discernment in all that we do as we walk in the power of His grace.
P/s: The HbA1c test measures the percentage of glucose clinging on to our blood haemoglobin as an indicator of the average glucose in our blood over the past 3 months.
Ronnie's Thoughts 