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"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" (2 Timothy 4:7)The curtain of Paul's life was ready to come to a close here on Earth as it will for all of us one day. We learn from history that the final scene for this faithful servant of God took place in Rome at the hands of an executioner who wielded a razor-sharp ax stained with the blood of others whose faith met death with confidence.Not only had Paul fought a good fight while debating the opposition, but he finished his course despite the obstacles, and through it all, notice what he said, "I have kept the faith."It goes without saying that Paul had an ample supply of enemies. If it wasn't that old roaring lion himself breathing down his back hurling his hateful insults, then it was a bunch of religious liars who were no doubt on Hell's payroll and were more than willing to grab Paul and throw him out of town even before he had a chance to tip his hat and say, "Howdy." But through all the troubles and trials, Paul kept his Torch of Trust burning faithfully to the finish line.I was reading some time ago where in the ancient Olympic games, the Greeks had a race that was very unique. The winner was NOT the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch STILL LIT. That should be the goal of every Christian! We're not running a race just to win by whatever means; rather, we are to finish our course with the flame of faith still lit and shining brightly for Jesus Christ.I know it's tough out there and it gets tougher every time the sun comes up. I'm aware that every day we're up against the workers of wickedness and those who delight in defilement. At times it seems like our little torch of faith is flickering and ready to fade.Friends, only through the Power of Christ will you and I one day be able to say, "I have kept the faith." Yes, through the strength of Christ, we can press on and stay the course by faith. Praise God we can!