2 Timothy 1:7-10
God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A dear friend posted a photo on Facebook yesterday of two darling young children…a twin brother and sister who appeared to be sharing a secret. These children were her nephew and niece, who celebrated their 50th birthdays in June. In late August, my friend’s nephew suffered a heart attack and died. Shortly before Thanksgiving, his sister was diagnosed with cancer…and she joined him in heaven on February 3rd. My friend lost her own son almost 20 years ago when he was only 17. She told me… “I know how much it hurt to lose one...CAN.NOT.IMAGINE losing two [children] within 5 months!”
I know that others understand this grief, as well…my thoughts went immediately to the family of two sons in their 60s who died last year within six months of each other. I’ve seen the toll these losses took on their mother, father, sister and others. And I know that in both families, many must be asking where God could possibly be found amidst such heartache.
The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy from a prison cell, where he was no doubt subjected to countless indignities – if not outright torture. He reminds Timothy of the anguish of Jesus on our behalf and suggests that we must “take our share of the suffering” as His children. In other words, the world will be watching to see how we handle tragedy and heartache…and God will be right beside us to help us handle every minute of it. Paul does not discount how difficult or challenging this will be for us…but he does remind us that Jesus undergirds our efforts with Supernatural strength to “suffer” all things.
I am so proud of how my friends in both of these families are handling the tremendous grief and heartache that has befallen them. They have not turned their backs on God…they have embraced Him all the more as they seek His strength and comfort. I know that their demonstration of His power and presence has influenced countless onlookers - including me!
God never leaves us! He understands when we cry out to Him and ask for His help…when we admit that we are heartbroken and/or suffering. He hears our petitions…and He meets us wherever we happen to be at any particular moment. OUR JOB is to speak up…to demonstrate our faith and confidence in God’s power to handle all circumstances...and to recognize His presence in every situation.
Are you wondering where God is today? My guess is that He is standing right beside you – or holding you securely in His arms - ready to minister to your every need with perfection. Will this be the day that you give Him a chance to do so?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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