Bible Verse -- Be Strong, Have Faith, Endure  

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The Apostle Paul wrote a series of letters to people/groups of people, which have been included in the Bible as part the canon of Holy Scripture. In two series of letters, Paul is writing to Timothy, whom he calls "son," but who is really a faithful student and follower of Christ (who later became Bishop of Ephesus). In his old age, Timothy tried to halt a pagan procession of idols, ceremonies and songs. In response to his preaching of the Gospel, the angry pagans beat him, dragged him through the streets and stoned him to death. He is also known as "Saint Timothy" to the Catholics.

Some might say that it's horrid that he was stoned to death. Others say that he was persecuted and murdered while defending Christ, which has the utmost reward in Heaven. I say that it takes quite a bit of gumption, bravery, intelligence and faith to stand up so strongly for what you believe in.

Most of the time, we don't get the chance to fight honorably, standing up to the public and openly declaring our strength and our faith. If we had to, almost every devout Christian would rise up to the challenge. We would feel the fight simmer slowly at first, and then spill over with fire and determination -- like it did for William Wallace in Braveheart. We would go forth at full speed, with all our might to defend our Lord and our beliefs until the very end. Our passion for what's right would turn us into glorious believers who would lead the masses to defend the truth in battle.

Yet typically, that's not at all how it works. We don't go into battle. We don't get a chance to put on war paint and fight with the masses for our Lord. We all just go through the mundane rat race of everyday living. We get up... go to work every day... work hard... struggle with bills... deal with stress... argue with family... try to keep the house clean... fight traffic... etc. etc. etc.

All while trying to be good and faithful and to serve the Lord.

Sometimes, the slow, steady, hardworking efforts are just as significant -- if not more -- than the legendary efforts of one who is ready to climb the mountain and stand tall for what's right. Throughout history, it's the generals who get the glory. But it's the men and the soldiers who win the war. I love knowing in my heart that the small things I do will not go unnoticed by the Lord. I find peace in realizing that God knows all of the mundane, tough things I endure while keeping my faith and getting through the day-to-day stuff. I smile and feel peace at knowing He knows my heart. It's wearying. I don't like butting heads with family members. I don't like getting into it with a bitchy atheist online. I feel sad when I see bad things happening to good people.

God tells us to just take it one day at a time. Endure the hardship like a good soldier, knowing that the glory will one day come to us. Keep plugging away like an athlete -- don't get caught up in the things that distract us from our goal ahead of us. Forget about those booing you on the sidelines, or the things that might make you stumble. And if you happen to spot a short-cut here and there, remember that you've got to stay on the track or you're disqualified. It might take more time and effort to stay on the right path, but in the end you will come out a winner. Work hard like the farmer, and find solace in the fact that one day you will be able to rest. Reward is ours, dear Christians. Pray, trust and have faith.

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs -— he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. (2 Timothy 2:1-7)

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at Wednesday, May 07, 2008 . You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments feed .

7 comments

Maria  

Very fitting message today. I needed to read these words. Your gift of touching others has not gone unnoticed. You should write a book. I am certain you’ve heard that before. Maybe a children’s book with a message. I think we need to start early with our children teaching about God, love and respect.

May 8, 2008 5:49 PM
windycindy  

Hello, God bless you and your family! If you begin another blog site, please get in touch with me! It has been a pleasure. Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

May 11, 2008 11:48 PM
Kimberly  

Peace be unto you sister! I am well pleased to have seen such a new believer in Christ who is passionate about spreading the gospel of the Lord. I have been searching for sites like these to help my fiance to see the good works of the Lord and I have truly found one. My fiance is a also a convert from Islam to Christianity and is currently living in Dubai with his father's friend (who is a muslim) and they are doing business together. I am very troubled because of this... what fellowship does light have with darkness, righteous with unrighteous!

May 12, 2008 1:57 PM
Greg  

I really liked what you said. I remember the electric outage that happened in MI. I worked at GM manufacturing plant at that time, and when the plant had no lights I had never seen darkness so dark. You couldn’t see your hand even if it was right in front of your face. But I noticed a pin hole of light coming from the roof. This light was, unadulterated light that was defined. The darkness was faded by such a small amount that it amazed me. I find true the One we call, the light of the world, and our hearts.

June 27, 2008 3:48 PM
Anonymous  

First, let me share in the admiration to the special person who has created this blog. Surely--to my reward, someday our paths will cross.

............

My heart and soul are heavy with the burden of shame and guilt. This thorn in my side has infected my life. I hope God will forgive me.

Billy Graham once came to town and I ended up going by myself to the stadium because my friend backed out at the last minute. I know how special that man (Billy Graham) is. I don't like crowds but I thought that if I didn't go, God would someday asked me why I didn't go see his servant when he came to my town.

I did something similar to this as a young Catholic boy. If I remember correctly, it was a group-organized event to see a movie about Jesus. Maybe not by the church, but some in my family went, along with others who were aware of the invitation. At the end of the movie, a "protestant-like" invitation was announced to offer the opportunity to accept Christ as our savior. Not understanding the dynamics of a Catholic baptism compared to the born-again baptism of Non-Catholics, I walked alone, fearfully down the dark isle of the theater till I reached the front. My family must have not known what to do. The thing I remember is what persuaded me to do this. The question! "Do you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior? If so, please come forward." In my adolescent mind, I concluded that if by staying in my seat, was I denying that Jesus is my savior.

The time may soon come when I hear that call again. I hope that I will still have the courage to walk down that dark isle, maybe for the last time.

November 20, 2008 5:07 PM
Raye  

Today is December 24, 2011 and it is my first Christmas without my only child. He died on September 29, this year. It has been a struggle but not a test of my faith. He death is one of those everyday struggles we must face in life. In his forty-six years, he left many wonderful memories. I know that God does not make mistakes and I will survive his loss. And, I will survive in a way that honors God and my faith Him.

My son as a high school senior made a statement that has greatly impacted my present walk. He said, "Momma, if you are dressed and out on the playing field, you have got to play." He was talking about winning in football. As well, it is the truth for our spiritual walk and the encountering of and our reactions to those bumps along life's way. As a disciple of God, moving forward in faith is not an option. For certain, we will encounter great hardships. Each of us must endure them like good soldiers of Christ Jesus. The end payoff is huge. He promises to give us double for our trouble.

Thank you for the message and the reminder this Christmas Eve. 12/25/2011

www.Oramite.com

December 24, 2011 11:12 AM
Raye  

This is my first Christmas without my only child. He died on September 29, this year. It has been a struggle but not a test of my faith. He death is one of those everyday struggles we must face in life. In his forty-six years, he left many wonderful memories. I know that God does not make mistakes and I will survive his loss. And, I will survive in a way that honors God and my faith Him.

My son as a high school senior made a statement that has greatly impacted my present walk. He said, "Momma, if you are dressed and out on the playing field, you have got to play." He was talking about winning in football. As well, it is the truth for our spiritual walk and the encountering of and our reactions to those bumps along life's way. As a disciple of God, moving forward in faith is not an option. For certain, we will encounter great hardships. Each of us must endure them as confident followers of Christ Jesus. The end payoff is huge. We can trust the promise. He promises to give us double for our trouble.

Thank you for the message and the reminder this Christmas Eve. 12/24/2011

December 24, 2011 6:18 PM

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