You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV)
This life is filled with great trials and sorrows. Our hearts are torn by fears, rejections, illness, pain, death of those whom we love, and even misunderstandings amongst those whom we have poured out our heart and soul to. Paul knew this all too well as he wrote this letter to Timothy. Many whom Paul had taught now turned their backs on him. How do you tell someone to march on teaching the gospel of Christ when you know for a certainty that will lead to pain, suffering, and great sorrow in this life? Where does that persevering strength come from when storms are swirling around us? Yet, Paul knew even now when his own execution was imminent; that there was no other mission of greater importance than this–to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to a world in need of a Savior.
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:8-10 (NIV)
There it is. The primary key to enduring every trial of this life is remembering there is no suffering too great to endure for the salvation of one soul. “I endure it all. I am chained like a criminal and will be lead to my own death; yet, I endure EVERYTHING for the sake of those who will come to know Jesus Christ. It is for their eternity, their eternal glory; that I gladly endure whatever comes my way. Knowing that God is using every tear, every sorrow, every pain to ultimately transform my story into one that Glorifies His Son and presents Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation to all who would believe and accept this gift of salvation.”
And so it is, Paul tells young Timothy to endure hardship like a good soldier. How? He provides Timothy with these four keys to hold fast to.
1. Hold fast to truth. Don’t be swayed by the winds of popular doctrine which sways from the truth. The Holy Spirit will be there in you to guide you and to help you guard the truth.
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 2 Timothy 1:13-14 (NIV
2. Remember Jesus Christ–Don’t take your eyes off of Him.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Hebrews 12:1-3
3. Find your strength in the Grace of Jesus Christ. All too often when we lose sight of grace, we become entangled in our own “feelings”. On the other hand, the more I recognize the Grace I have been given, the humbler I become and the more I can see the needs of others rather than my own “feelings” in the situation.
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)
4. Whatever ministry God has entrusted to you for a moment, is not yours. It is ultimately God’s ministry. He will do with it as He pleases. This I must never forget. As Paul said, though I am chained; His word is not.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:8-11
So,
[tweetthis]Don’t waiver from truth, God is truth.[/tweetthis]
[tweetthis]Keep your eyes on the prize–Jesus Christ is the prize[/tweetthis]
[tweetthis]Never forget the Grace you have been given.[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Always live your life humbly reminding yourself, It is NOT about me.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”My life story must always be about Him who died that I might live.” username=”effiedarlene”]
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Photo used by permission https://unsplash.com/@arstyy Inscription was added by me.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.