Here and Now devo Nov 18

2 TIMOTHY 1:6-7, 10-12 | ⁶ For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands, ⁷ for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

¹⁰ but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ¹¹ For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, ¹² and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard the deposit I have entrusted to him.

Paul encourages Timothy to rekindle his spiritual gifts and to          remember that the Holy Spirit does not foster fear in us, but rather a sense of strength, love, and self-control. Paul writes from jail and is honest about his own suffering. Yet, he sees that difficulty and his being sustained in the midst of it, as a confirmation of his calling and the truth of the gospel (see verses 10-12).

Mature Christians who have gone through suffering and struggle are in the best position to encourage younger believers.

Has your own suffering seemed to confirm your calling?

Has it re-enforced your confidence that Jesus has “brought to life and immortality to light through the gospel”?

Tags: life, immortablity