HE IS ABLE

HE IS ABLE. 2nd Timothy 1:12 Suffering and affliction of various kinds accompany Gospel preaching because we are making inroads into areas where sin abounds and lives are far from what God intends. Those in such circumstances know that God can reliably use any situation in life to fulfill His will through His chosen servant perfectly. We know God, and that is enough in any time of suffering and service to which we are called. What we do for Him He keeps safe in light of the times when all we have done receives a "just recompense." Paul was not ashamed of suffering as a prisoner. He was confident that God would sustain him during this difficult time. Imminent death loomed before him, but his trust was in God, not merely in his faith. Luke was with him as he prepared for death, and one of his tasks was writing this letter. His hope and confidence lay in God, whom he believed in and had served with his whole heart. He knew God would protect those He had saved through Paul’s ministry. Despite all he endured in prison shortly before his death, Paul remained confident in God, knowing that "God is able." God protected him and would preserve everything he had dedicated his time, resources, and life to for the Lord. His investment in God's kingdom would yield abundant rewards in the future. The Gospel was entrusted to Paul and would continue through other servants until the Lord's return. Even in difficult circumstances, the apostle Paul used his time to encourage and challenge Timothy. All efforts to advance God's kingdom here are not in vain. Finances, time, talent, suffering, and everything else we experience in service “will be worth it all when we see Jesus.” What is entrusted to us and done out of love for Christ will receive a “full recompense of reward.” When you face these situations, give all your concerns to the Lord, who will sustain you. He will ensure everything you have done for Him; He will guard and keep it “until that day.” Weak faith doesn't constrain God at all. "All power" belongs to Him, and our relationship with Him is rooted in knowing Him personally and trusting that nothing can sever the bonds of love that connect Him to the Savior who loved us. Persecution won't stop the Gospel or the faith of those who believe. It didn't stop or discourage the apostle, nor should it hinder us in our work for Him.