"You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."..
2 TIMOTHY 2 : 3..[nkjv]
In writing this passage Paul knew well that things would not always be ' plain sailing ' for his son in the faith Timothy.
Paul himself had known the hardships of imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel on numerous occasions and he wanted to instruct and encourage Timothy in steadfastness and continuance in his ministry.
HOW MANY OF US ARE WILLING TO ' GO THE DISTANCE' ...IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ???
or do we just ' throw in the towel ' when hardships come along ???...!!!
Paul used the example of a soldier to Timothy because...
[1] A Roman soldier had ONE PRIMARY DUTY......TO OBEY ORDERS FROM HIS COMMANDER
[2] A Roman soldier was expected to ...LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR KING {Caesar] AND COUNTRY
[3] A Roman soldier could NEVER QUIT WHEN THE GOING GOT TOUGH...
[4] A Roman soldier had to GO ON TO VICTORY...OR DIE IN THE PROCESS !!!
let us stir up our FAITH...RESOLUTION...COMMITMENT...LOVE...to NEW LEVELS...
BECAUSE
THERE IS NO PRIZE WITHOUT THE PRICE....
NO CROWN WITHOUT THE CROSS
NO REIGNING WITHOUT THE TRAINING
May The Lord Bless you.