Throughout life, it is often wise to conserve energy knowing that a greater level of knowledge, skill and stamina will soon be required of us.  Consider for example the major assessments at the end of a university course or the last game of a sporting tournament or even the final leg of a race.  In these cases, we necessarily keep something in reserve to perform our best when it counts most.

This however is not the way to carry out God’s purposes.  Paul’s statement already being poured out demonstrates this – he was not preserving himself for a final act. Instead, he was in every moment giving everything to our Lord. Note, he was not doing this in his own strength, instead he was relying on the power of God which is made perfect in weakness (2 Co 12:9).

Our Lord Jesus Christ also demonstrates this perfectly.  Right now, he is on the right hand of God (Heb 10:12) as our advocate (1 Jo 2:1) and our high priest (Heb 12:2). Previously he visited the earth appearing in the temple (Luk 2:46-47), on a cross (Luk 23:46) and much more (Joh 20:30-31).  In his present position, he is fully devoted to his Father (Joh 17:4) watching over those who He knows and know Him (Joh 10:14) – just as he always was and always will be (Heb 13:8).

Our goal is to imitate our Lord’s example just as Paul did.