Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 2:1
As we ended 1 Timothy 1, remember that everyone from the region of Asia had deserted Paul and only Onesiphorus was there to help encourage Paul. God continues to lead Paul, as Paul writes to Timothy (and us) in 2 Timothy 2. There is no doubt that God is warning Timothy (and us) that, as Christians, we will have people turn their backs on us. When people disappoint us, God wants us to know that the only place we can find the strength to overcome is through our fellowship with Him. God tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” No matter whether people fail us, no matter what kind of tests or trials we face, no matter what this life may try to take us down with, we are only going to be able to overcome through God’s grace. God reminds us that His grace is found only through our relationship with Christ. Even though God offers His grace to everyone through Christ, those people without Christ will never experience the fullness of God’s grace until they surrender to Christ as Lord. For us, as Christians, to be strong in the grace God has given us means we must be willing to give God’s grace to those who have disappointed us. Just as God has given us His grace, we are called to give His grace to others. Indeed, God’s grace is sufficient for us but also sufficient for those who have failed us. So, let’s be sure to walk in His grace and give His grace away.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about His grace?
2. How are you choosing to be strong in the grace of our Lord each day and how are you giving His grace to others?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!