“. . . I suffer . . . But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” 2 Timothy 1:12 ESV
Are you suffering? These words of Paul, written to Timothy while he was in prison near the end of his life, exude confident faith that can refresh and ignite our own trust in God’s purpose!
When we are suffering, it is easy to assume it should not be happening to us. Of course, it’s always true that God’s plans are for our good—but there are times He allows us to feel and experience the brokenness of the world around us to accomplish His purpose in our lives.
If you are suffering, know that God Himself is guarding, protecting, and keeping you. He will make sure that you are shaped more into His image through it and that you receive abundant heavenly riches, fruits of the Spirit, and growth in the process. He is able to keep you and all that has been entrusted to you!
Weekly Challenge
Let’s look at this scripture again, this time in the amplified version. Will you choose to believe and declare this today over areas of your life where you are suffering?
“. . . I suffer as I do. Still, I am not ashamed; for I know Him [and I am personally acquainted with Him] whom I have believed [with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the truth of His deity], and I am persuaded [beyond any doubt] that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him until that day [when I stand before Him].”