Today's Scripture
depending on God’s power – 2 Timothy 1:8-14
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: 2 Timothy 1-4(CEB)
8 So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, share the suffering for the good news, depending on God’s power. 9 God is the one who saved and called us with a holy calling. This wasn’t based on what we have done, but it was based on his own purpose and grace that he gave us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 Now his grace is revealed through the appearance of our savior, Christ Jesus. He destroyed death and brought life and immortality into clear focus through the good news. 11 I was appointed a messenger, apostle, and teacher of this good news. 12 This is also why I’m suffering the way I do, but I’m not ashamed. I know the one in whom I’ve placed my trust. I’m convinced that God is powerful enough to protect what he has placed in my trust until that day. 13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Protect this good thing that has been placed in your trust through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
What does this passage mean to me/us
We shared how Ebenezer means ‘God’s help.’ Knowing that ‘God is the one who saved and called us’ (v. 9), is the reason for us to depend on God’s promise. Christmas is a time where that promise is revealed in the world, and we pray that God’s promise will be revealed in our lives.
When that promise is revealed, Paul testifies a life depending on God’s help.
He says, “11 I was appointed a messenger, apostle, and teacher of this good news. 12 This is also why I’m suffering the way I do, but I’m not ashamed. I know the one in whom I’ve placed my trust. I’m convinced that God is powerful enough to protect what he has placed in my trust until that day. 13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Protect this good thing that has been placed in your trust through the Holy Spirit who lives in us” (v. 11-14).
As I am preparing for next year, there are some exciting moments I see God revealing.
But at the same time, I see how these ideas might seem bigger than us.
That is where I come back to what Paul tells us to trust in God and depend on how God works.
In the first place, if it was something that God placed in our hearts, would God make it happen?
Prayer
Lord, as we wait for you to be revealed in our lives, show us your ways and help us to trust in you alone. In Christ name, we pray, AMEN.
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