Daily devotion – courage to stay in the battle
2 Timothy 1: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. 6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
We often pray for God to get us out of the trial we are experiencing, the turmoil or persecution we face. But often God keeps His hands on us whilst also keeping us “rowing in the storm”. We each desire an easy life, one without hardship and struggles. But as we read God’s Word, I know of no saint mentioned of any worth, where we have not read of enormous struggles and yes, tears!
Paul writes to this young pastor Timothy whose struggles and battles have brought young Timothy to tears. Paul does not write and say, “Go on holidays, leave town.” No, he writes to remind Timothy of his godly heritage. The strength of character that God built into Timothy through the training and faith of his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois is highlighted. How wonderful it is to read of a grandma and mother, mentioned by God by name, and their godly raising of a young boy to be a man of God.
Parents, our task is clear, our responsibilities are defined. We are to water, feed and nourish the faith of God in our children and grandchildren so that when the tears of the battle come, they will have the courage to continue in serving the Lord.
Paul also reminded Timothy that he prayed for Timothy, day and night! This too is how Timothy’s tears would be soothed, where Timothy would take a breath to stand again and continue in the Lord’s ministry.
In our homes and in our families, much of God’s work is to be done. We often overlook the significance a parent or grandparent or Christian mentor can have in the life of another young believer.
If you are still in a storm, take courage and ask God to strengthen you to stand in it and come out of it in victory to His name.