The good fight of the faith

What is a battle? This can be defined as a fight between two or more contenders where a group or a person will get the victory. Battles are often painful and risky, and you never know who will win, since this will depend on the skill of each one. Soldiers always end up with a lot of pain and others end up horrified and traumatized by going to war and do not have the desire to go back, because it is really painful.

But among us, those who serve God, it does not happen exactly the same. Our battles are painful, because we do not fight simply against a physical world but against a spiritual one, and this makes our battles more painful and dangerous. Unlike soldiers who go to war in the physical realm—who often do not know whether they will return home or whether they will win—our case is totally different, for we already know the outcome. In advance, we know that the victory is ours because we serve the King of the universe, the One who fights for us and strengthens us in every struggle. This gives us confidence, stability, and assurance even when the battles become overwhelming.

Is this a battle to grieve or is this a bad battle? No! It is the best of all battles. Paul told young Timothy:

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

1 Timothy 6:12

Paul does not see this great fight as a bad battle. On the contrary, he calls it a good battle. Why does he describe it this way? Because this is the only battle that guarantees an eternal reward. This is the only battle in which the victory is already declared before we even begin to fight. It is the only battle where God Himself is our captain, our strength, and our refuge. In every earthly battle, even if we win, the victory is temporary. But in this spiritual battle, the crown we receive is incorruptible, eternal, and glorious.

In the world we can win many battles—financial battles, emotional battles, professional battles—yet none of them guarantee eternity. None of them offer a reward that lasts forever. But the battle of faith is different. It shapes our character, purifies our motives, strengthens our trust in God, and leads us to eternal life. And this is why Paul insists: “Take hold of eternal life.” That is, grasp it firmly, value it above all things, and remember that this is the goal toward which we fight.

As we fight the good fight of faith, we lay hold of eternal life. This means that every struggle, every tear, every sacrifice, and every moment of perseverance brings us closer to the fulfillment of God’s promises. There will be days when the battle feels heavy, when discouragement knocks at the door, and when your strength seems to run out. But do not weaken. Do not lay down your weapons. No matter how hard the battle is or how tedious the process may feel, keep fighting.

One day we will receive a reward which is eternal, and that must be the most important thing for us, since everything else perishes. In this world, success fades, victories become memories, and crowns eventually break. But the crown that God gives to those who remain faithful never fades away. It is reserved in heaven for those who endure, for those who run the race with patience, and for those who do not give up even when the trials multiply.

Dear reader, if today you feel that your spiritual battle is intense, remember this: you are not fighting alone. God is with you. The Holy Spirit strengthens you. Christ intercedes for you. And heaven itself celebrates every step you take toward perseverance. Keep fighting the good fight. Keep your eyes on the eternal reward. And never forget that in Christ, victory is already guaranteed.