2 Timothy 1:8-9
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
In the Scripture for today, Paul is sending this letter to his son in the faith, Timothy. If I were to send one of my last letters to my own son, Dan, I think I would like to share this thought with him as well. It speaks firmly of standing resolutely regardless of the trials that may arise. But it is much more than that. It is a reminder that it is not so much what our agenda may be, but what the Lord desires for us. It is His purpose that must strive to achieve.
When we stop to evaluate the meaning of the word, purpose, we quickly discover that it entails the reason for doing what we are doing. I like to think of it this way: Ten years from today will the things that I am devoting myself to be worth the effort? How about twenty years from now? How about in eternity?
There are ministers of the gospel who leave messages that have been printed or recorded that bless people years and years after they were first delivered. That is great, but what about a person who simply lives a godly life and is not a professional minister?
My grandpa Thompson was such a man. I was a small boy when he died, but his last words before he died have lived in my heart since my dad shared them with our family. I was only five at the time, but they still resonate across the years. Grandpa looked toward the door and said; “There’s Jesus now!” How will your purpose in life have an effect on future generations?
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil