In the Power of God

But take your share of suffering for the gospel in the power of God. (II Timothy 1:8)

II Tim. 1:3-8; Acts 5:41; Heb. 11:25; I Pet. 2:20

What Is God Saying?

In this letter, Paul takes up his pen for the last time. There were no more doctrines to set down in Rome, no more arguments to settle in Corinth, no more heresies to lay to rest in Colosse, but there was Timothy, his beloved son in the gospel. In his cold prison cell, Paul longed to see Timothy again. He asked Timothy to pick up his warm cloak and some of his favorite books. ‘Do your best to come soon ... come before winter.’ (4:9, 21)

Whether Timothy would get to Rome on time was not the most essential item on the agenda. Paul needed to advise him that he would get his share of suffering wherever he was. Testifying to our Lord involves suffering, whether on the move or at rest, around strangers or familiar turf, whether by word of mouth or deeds of life. In his letter, Paul says, ‘Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.’ (II Timothy 2:3) These words were not idle. Paul was chained in a cell, having been one of the ten most wanted in the Roman Empire. Out of his pain, he writes about suffering for the gospel's sake. He could endure all this and encourage Timothy to do the same because he was confident in the power of God.

How Does This Apply To Us?

We can do the impossible in God's power. One who lives consistently with the gospel will find life rough in a godless society. We will be thought peculiar. We will lose friends. We will not be welcome in some circles. But in God's power, we continue to testify. When the impossible is needed, God supplies the power. We are to be vessels. The most important ability that God requires is availability. He does the rest.

Pray With Me

Lord, I cannot say that based on my capacity or desire, I am able or willing to share in suffering for the gospel. My life has too often proved the opposite. Today, you have led me to a wonderful discovery. I can suffer, and I can be willing to suffer when it is in the power of God. This suffering does not lead to despair, purposelessness, joylessness, misery, or self-pity.

If it is Your will, Lord, let me take my share of suffering for the gospel's sake, but always and only in the power of God. Relying on your strength, I would even welcome suffering if I could bring the gospel to others by so doing. As I do not ask for suffering, I cannot ask to avoid it when with that suffering You send Your power. Help me not to doubt or miss Your purpose in any suffering that may come upon me for the gospel's sake.

In the name of Him who, in the power of love divine, suffered to redeem humankind. Amen.

Moving On In The Life of Prayer

We do not wish for suffering, but when it comes for the gospel’s sake, we can endure it in the power of God. As we pray, then, our prayer should invoke the enabling power of the living Lord. In quiet openness, we receive the Holy Spirit's power. In service, we use the power. In loving others, the God of power and the power of God uses us.

Listen to the Word of God. Let in the power of God. To move on in the life of prayer, make more room for God's power and make plans to see that it is used.