07.08

Still More on God's Ability and His Promises "For this reason I also suffer these things;
nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is
able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. (2 Timothy 1:12)"

A growing appreciation of God's ability produces an increasing tendency to rely upon God's
promises. In this present meditation, we are reminded of how relationship with the Lord is
always at the heart of the Christian life.

Paul's experience of suffering was the setting for this "one verse testimony." "For this
reason I also suffer these things." The reason he suffered was related to his calling to
preach the gospel: "to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the
Gentiles" (2 Timothy 1:11). When the Lord first called Paul to serve Him in the good news
of grace, God revealed his future sufferings. "I will show him how many things he must
suffer for My name's sake" (Acts 9:16). Suffering is inevitable while serving God in an
ungodly world. Jesus Himself was our example. "For to this you were called, because Christ
also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (1 Peter
2:21).

Although Paul suffered, he was not shamed by his suffering. "Nevertheless I am not
ashamed." If our suffering is for godly reasons, we likewise do not need to be ashamed.
"If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this
matter" (1 Peter 4:16). The faith that enabled Paul to endure sufferings properly came
from His growing relationship with Jesus. "For I know whom I have believed." Since
originally believing in the Lord, Paul had become increasingly acquainted with Him. A
wonderful consequence of increased intimacy with Christ is becoming increasingly convinced
of His ability. "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able." This
conviction encouraged Paul to entrust the issues of life into the care of His Master. "He
is able to keep what I have committed to Him." This trust was Paul's daily desire right up
to the return of the Lord: "until that Day." Again, Jesus left us a similar example. He
committed His daily situations into the hands of His able heavenly Father. "When He
suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1
Peter 2:23).

"Dear heavenly Father, again I see that it is all about relationship. As Jesus related to
You in His day by day living, I want to relate to Jesus. Lord Jesus, help me to know You
more and more. Getting to know You is what persuades me of Your ability to fulfill Your
promises. Lord, I have many sufferings that I need to trust You to handle, from now until
You return for me. In Your mighty name I pray, Amen."