2 Timothy – December 23

When we set out to do the will of God in ministry it’s possible to be ignorantly optimistic. Optimism is good, but we must be ready to endure the difficult things that accompany the will of God for our life. Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2-3, “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.” After he exhorts him to train men for leadership, he says “you therefore must endure hardship.” We all want things to just work out and be smooth without any problems, but that’s called fantasy; we must be willing to take the good with the bad. Open doors (ministry opportunities) typically come with adversaries (see 1 Cor. 16:9).

I like how 2 Timothy 2:7 reads in the English Standard Version. Paul tells Timothy, “Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand it all.” It’s our job to meditate the Scripture and then the Lord will help us understand all. What a beautiful picture of how we cooperate with the Lord. We spend time in His Word and meditate in it day and night and Holy Spirit will bring true spiritual understanding. Praise God! …makes me want to spend more time in His Word.