February 27, 2023: The Time Of Your Departure

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:6–7, ESV)

We all have a time of departure in the timings of God. On that day, we will be finished with all of our earthly work. Listen to Paul's words: "already poured out, departure, have fought, have finished, and I have kept the faith.” He sounds like a man who is done. He sounds like a man who knows he has reached the end and is okay with that.

What gives him such satisfaction at the end of his days? One, he contended well with all adversity that came his way. It was a good fight, and he had won. Two, he kept going when everything inside him said, "Stop!" God's presence gave him the grace to finish. Three, amid all the struggles of life, he kept the faith. He had not doubted God or given up on God. Four, he knew by Holy Spirit leading that the end of his life was near. Five, like a drink offering, he was already being poured out.  

Paul had exhausted everything that God had given him to do. When he checked his 'to-do' list, it was empty. Oh, to reach the end of life satisfied and have such a testimony! Read our scripture once more.