A CALL TO COURAGE. 2nd Timothy 1:8 The call to remain faithful to our Lord and His word, which echoes in our time, is similar to Paul's call to Timothy. We cannot expect things to improve if we avoid opposition to the Gospel and the Bible. The world system is deteriorating, as is everything else. It is one of the laws of thermodynamics and applies to material things. A decline in righteousness naturally follows a decline in morality. The decline of morality results from the decline of faith. The decline of faith occurs when the scriptures are ignored, and man's opinion is given the same importance as divine revelation. Godliness and worldliness cannot coexist. One person said something to the effect that saying one is a worldly Christian is like claiming there is a heavenly devil.
We will never avoid difficulties in life as those who follow Christ. That is to be expected. But we should remember that God gives us the strength we need when it is our turn to face hard times. He is faithful to us, and we must be faithful to Him. Publicly sharing our faith in Christ will require courage. The call to courage is to not be ashamed or embarrassed to be known as a child of God. Be loyal to Him as you are loyal to a loving parent. Be confident that God will not allow you to face any situation you cannot handle if you obey Him. It is important that we are strong in the Lord, not in our own strength. Paul encouraged Timothy to stay faithful and not fear the current situation of increasing persecution against Christians. He was preparing Timothy for what was to come. They were both representatives of "our Lord." Perhaps because Timothy might have had a timid nature, he could be tempted to be ashamed to publicly witness for the Lord. Even his association with Paul, the prisoner who would soon die for the Gospel, could have made him ashamed.
The same challenge faces us: not to be ashamed or timid because of who we are and who we serve. We do not earn any of the blessings of salvation, but God has offered it to "whosoever" anyway. The impact of the Gospel on us changes us because He has saved us, called us to serve Him, and sent the Lord Jesus Christ to die for us.
Sharing in others' unfair suffering can lead us to question whether the cause of Christ is worth the pain that accompanies godly living. The word “testimony” refers to our witness for the Lord. This word originates from the Greek term “martyr.” Most of the apostles were martyred for their public testimony to God’s grace, as emphasized in the Gospel message. Those who suffer for the Gospel will discover that God's power is complete, sufficient, and fully capable of confronting any forces against us. “Greater is He that is in [us] than he that is in the world.” “Sin shall not have dominion over you.”
Being a testimony to the Gospel will never be easy. Its message is clear about the condition of a sinner, so it brings conviction. Its method is personal and based on the sinner's choice, so it requires commitment. Its motivation is challenging because of the urgency for the sinner, so it calls for action. Its meaning is life-changing for the sinner's heart, so it calls for honesty.
There will be moments when no one knows, and tears will stream down your face. The one you trusted and cared for, who taught and looked after you, is caught in very tough circumstances, with no clear way out. Your faith is tested and challenged, and you might ask, is it true that I can honestly say, 'In God you trust?” Am I truly relying on Him completely and confident that He will do what’s best?
Your work with the gift God gave you helps you live your life by faith. The Lord knows all difficult events, and each one helps you walk worthy of your calling along the path you walk, sharing in the difficulties your brother or sister goes through. Don’t be ashamed of them; don’t turn away when they are called to suffer. In faith, you must support each other.
God has a purpose behind every stressful event. We may not understand why this problem is permitted today, why tears flow, or why we must walk this path. Don’t let your struggles cause you to stumble; never give in to doubts. Do your duty, fulfill your responsibilities, and God’s grace will guide you from the darkness of uncertainty into the light of His sovereign will.
The days we live in are dark, and they will grow darker as sin appears to triumph over righteousness and holiness. But this is not the end; you’re not finished yet, and God remains on His throne. So, stand firm; don’t be ashamed of God; what you know is right and aligned with His divine purposes. When the night passes and the battle ends, darkness will give way to light.