The apostle Paul told us, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10).

Because Paul lived with the awareness of that moment when he would stand before Jesus, he was able to keep pushing ahead even when times became exceedingly difficult. He knew that eventually life would pass and the difficult trials would end, and he would stand before Jesus to give account for his life.

This is why Paul wrote, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor. 4:17).

I love this verse, because it sheds light on Paul's attitude toward life and afflictions. He didn't like afflictions and he stood against them, but he refused to over-magnify them, choosing instead to view them as "light afflictions."

Would you call Paul's problems "light afflictions"? He faced rejection from some of his closest friends and, even worse, by many of the churches in Asia (2 Tim. 1:15). He had been severely beaten several times (2 Cor. 11:24-25). He had been shipwrecked three times (2 Cor. 11:25).

He had lived through perils in the city, in the wilderness, and at sea. He had been in peril of robbers, of heathens, and of false brethren and had endured periods of hunger, thirst, and sleeplessness (2 Cor. 11:26-27).

These were monumental problems, yet Paul refused to let them be monumental in his life. Instead, he deemed them "small stuff"—mere distractions compared to the eternal glory that awaited him.

What enabled Paul to press ahead when he was being assaulted so viciously? How could he maintain such a victorious attitude? How is it that he never surrendered to weariness, exhaustion, or to the devil's attacks?

These questions can all be answered by the foremost desire of Paul's heart: That he would one day hear Jesus say to him, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Paul's driving motivation was his anticipation to hear Jesus say those words and to know that he had finished his race well.

This is why Paul said, "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy..." (Acts 20:24).

At the end of his life, he wrote to Timothy and triumphantly declared, "I have fought a good fight..." (2 Tim. 4:7). The words "fought" and "fight" are from the Greek word agonidzo. This word means a struggle, a fight, a combat, or a fierce competition, and it is where we get the word agony.

By using this word, Paul tells us that some of his ministry has been a real struggle—difficult, fierce, and agonizing. Yet Paul never budged an inch! He stayed in the fight and was faithful to his call!

This verse could literally be translated, "A good fight—that's what I fought!" That proclamation has the sense of victory and exhilaration. These are the sentiments of a man who has no regrets.

He is proud of the contest in which he has been engaged. Regardless of all the others who have dropped out of the fight, Paul can say, "I stayed in there. A good fight—that's what I fought!"

Then Paul goes on to tell us, "...I have finished my course...." This word "course" is the Greek word dromos, which always describes a foot race or a running track. Also, notice that he referred to his life assignment as "my course." Paul knew precisely what race he was called to run, and he didn't attempt to run anyone else's course.

In spite of all the things that tried to slow him down, knock him out of the race, and defeat him, he refused to quit running! No matter what happened, Paul just stayed right on track—true to the course God had given him. Thus, this part of the verse could be translated, "My race—I ran it with all my might, never stopping until I knew I had reached the goal and finished it!"

Finally, Paul writes, "...I have kept the faith." The Greek word for "kept" is the word tereo. It is the same Greek word used to depict a watch of soldiers who were positioned to protect something important.

The job of these soldiers was to stand guard and to keep watch. They were to be faithful and remain committed to their charge of keeping watch regardless of the kind of assault or the number of attackers they might encounter.

This is the word Paul uses when he says, "I have kept the faith." Even though he encountered difficulties and challenges, he never left his post or surrendered to the assaults and attacks that came against him. Through it all, Paul kept watch over the mission and the message God gave him!

When you put all of this together, 2 Timothy 4:7 could be understood to say this:

A good fight—that's what I fought! My race—I ran it with all my might, never stopping until I knew I had reached the goal and finished it! The faith—I protected it, guarded it, and watched over it with all my heart and strength. In spite of the assaults and attacks, I stayed true to my assignment!

This soldier of the Lord has everything to shout about! His ministry may have been difficult, but he made it! Paul never gave an inch to the enemy. Now as he faces his own death, he isn't fearful; rather, he rejoices because he knows he has done well.

He's ready to depart this earth and to be forever with his Lord! Looking toward that moment when he will finally stand before Jesus, Paul confidently writes, "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:8).

When you are tempted to be sidetracked and distracted by the problems of life, try to find a few minutes to be alone with the Lord. Remind yourself that all your problems are fleeting and that they will soon pass. But your obedience to God is eternal, so there is nothing more important than doing what God has told you to do.

When you stand before Jesus, all the challenges you faced will be forgotten, and just one question will remain. Jesus will want to know, "Did you do what I asked you to do, or did you get distracted and let the cares of life stop you from fulfilling your assignment?"

It will help you live a more balanced and committed life if you will keep everything that happens to you in perspective of that day when you stand before Jesus. Don't you want to look into His face with confidence? Of course you do.

So take the attitude of the apostle Paul. Decide to deliberately view your problems as nothing but "light affliction" that won't last too long. On the other hand, what you do with God's call on your life will last forever, so don't let those measly little problems prevent you from pushing onward toward the high calling of God!

Just as the apostle Paul finished his race with joy, you can finish your course with joy and victory as well. Determine today that you will be a soldier of the Lord who can look back one day and be proud of the fight you fought, the race you ran, and the faith you kept—a soldier with no regrets!

Source: Sparkling Gems by Rick Renner.
Excerpt permission granted by Teach All Nations Publishing