Faith, part IV
Faith is belief and trust. When we fully entrust our lives and souls to Jesus Christ, faith becomes commitment. Paul wrote, “And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day” (2 Tim. 1:11-12). Paul believed, was convinced, and entrusted his eternal soul to the Lord. The apostle knew that the Lord was with him every day, including his darkest days.
As Paul pens the conclusion to his last letter, he mentions his trial before Caesar. “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth” (2 Tim. 4:16-17). Perhaps the lion is a figurative reference to Caesar; perhaps it refers to the grisly way many Christians died in the first century. The truly committed Christian is not selfish with the gift of life. Paul was especially grateful for being spared for a time, that his preaching might continue. Even so, he knew his time was near, and he was ready to meet the Lord and receive the crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8). God never deserts us, and we must never desert him. Even if no one else is with us in times of despair, God is there. When we know that, we are strengthened to carry on his work until he calls us home. Stay tuned…
To be a child of God is the greatest privilege we have, but we also have responsibility. May God bless us all as we work with his Spirit to develop the character the Father expects of his children. TC
