"For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)
I had the privilege of talking to a dear friend on the phone yesterday. His unshakeable faith in God despite a very grim diagnosis, deeply challenged me. You see doctors and medicine cannot help him but he has heard God speak clearly to him to wait. In waiting and trusting God he still has many difficult days but he also has a very deep sense of peace that can only come from God.
In the apostle Paul's writing in 2 Timothy we clearly see that suffering is an integral part of our walk with God, not something separate we experience. For Paul in 2 Timothy 1:12 gives the reason for his current suffering: being called and appointed by God to share the gospel.
Paul's situation in prison is grim and he knows his death is near but he clearly has entrusted his life to God so he can say, "He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day."Paul in Romans 8:18 says, "For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Paul despite his suffering in prison makes a strong statement of faith, "For I know whom I have believed.." It is this knowing of the one who is faithful that makes it possible for Paul to stand firm.
Like Paul's unshakeable faith in God, my friend's faith comes with a confidence in God, His word, and His promises which enable him to stand on solid ground though everything around him is shaking.
Paul is challenging young Timothy here to face the difficulties and suffering in life with a confident faith in God. When you really know like Paul whom you have believed an unshakeable faith enables you to stand when circumstances should make you fall.
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