Paul

December 20

2 Timothy 2:1-7

Be brave

Paul wrote a second letter to his friend Timothy. Paul wanted to prepare him for the difficult days ahead:

He told Timothy: “Be strong by relying on the grace and power of Jesus Christ. Teach others the important truths you have heard me speak about. Instruct and train reliable people who will be able to teach others.

Don’t be scared to stand up for Jesus even though you may suffer for doing so. Be courageous like a loyal soldier. A good soldier wants to please his commander and doesn’t get sidetracked by the pleasures of the world.

An athlete running a race cannot hope to win a medal if he doesn’t keep the rules of the race.

A farmer, who has worked hard by plowing and sowing, should be the first to enjoy a share of the harvest.”

Is the Christian life always going to be tough?

A soldier doesn’t have an easy life. He has to be brave and obey every instruction his commander gives him. An athlete has to train hard every single day so that he will be fit to run his race. The farmer has to work hard in his field to grow his crop.

You could well be thinking that if the Christian life is anything like this, it sure sounds like a lot of hard work.

Although the Christian life is hard, we don’t have to go it alone. Jesus, who understands our struggles and hardships, is with us to help us all the time.

Always remember: the soldier is on the winning side and his battle will be over some day (1 Corinthians 15:57). The athlete will win a prize when he has finished the race (Philippians 3:14). A day will come when the farmer can rest and enjoy the harvest (James 3:18). And one day, our troubles will be over too!

Verse for today

He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:8