“But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.” 2 Tim 1:12
How do those who do not want anything to do with the church, don’t want to associate with Christians, or with God, and discourage others who do, make it through life’s challenges? When their company of twenty-five years suddenly downsizes, sending them packing? When the doctor says there is no cure, your time is limited? When their spouse speaks of divorce? When addicted? When they have no hope?
The Apostle Paul wrote the verse above yet faced numerous challenges in his service to God. He writes: “Five times I received the forty lashes minus one from the Jews. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the open sea.” 2 Cor 11:24-25
What kept Paul going having experienced such hardship and adversity? We find the source of his strength in his testimony above, looking at each phrase:
“I am not ashamed” – He had no regrets, he was not embarrassed, disgraced, or felt any guilt or shame for his trials.
“Because I know whom I have believed” – His deep faith was based on multiple experiences of God’s presence, provision, and presence in the midst of his trials. He never felt alone or abandoned.
“(I) am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me” – He boldly preached the message of salvation based on faith in Christ Jesus alone – belief in the atoning work of Jesus death on the cross for the forgiveness of sin, His burial, and His resurrection – the proof of His Sonship.
“Until that day” – Paul had an unwavering faith and complete trust in Christ Jesus that carried him through all of life’s struggles and would continue to carry him until his final days on earth or the return of Christ – which ever came first.
What many do not understand is that Jesus never promised a life of ease without struggles or heartache if we placed our faith in Him. Just the opposite Jesus said of Paul: “I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.” Acts 9:16
And to His own disciples Jesus declared: “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” John 15:20
“I have told these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33
What carries us through life’s struggles is the realization that this life is temporal, but the eternal life Jesus promised is forever!
Blessed by you… Bro. Sherman
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