The Cause of Suffering

“which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭

Suffer – Lexicon :: Strong’s G3958 – paschō – to be affected or have been affected, to feel, have a sensible experience, to undergo. 2) in a bad sense, to suffer sadly, be in a bad plight (in a bad sense, of misfortunes, to suffer, to undergo evils, to be afflicted)

Paul suffered a lot after his conversion at Damascus. He went from being an influential person persecuting Christians to be in a persecuted leader of Christians. It would be easy in his shoes to question if he was doing the right thing. Spending time in prison for preaching when he was free to murder people before had to be a hard reality. But Paul was sold out for Christ. He wasn’t ashamed of where he was because he trusted God. He knew God will fulfill through him what God has called him too.

How much of my calling have I given up when things got tough?

Do I recognize the attack of the enemy is because of the calling God has placed on my life?

Do I cower back ashamed at the attacks because I think they somehow to find my destiny?

Is my trust in God or where I think I should be?

Do I understand that it is God’s plan, His will, and if I stay with Him, though the journey may not be easy, the enemy can’t stop me?

Do I realize that I am the only one who can stop myself from completing what God has entrusted to me?

Do I recognize that only in quitting can the enemy win?

God guards what He entrusts to His children and He is not going to let the enemy have it. That was true when Paul wrote these words, and it is still true today.

Prayer – Lord, I repent I feel like I have given up too easily on many of the passions You have placed in my heart. I have been like a ship without a captain tossed about by the waves. I admit that I also feel a little beat up by the journey. I know I have likely floated off course. But Lord I do know and I believe in You. I trust You and know that You are able to guard everything that You have placed inside of me. I recognize I’ve done a poor job of trying to guard things myself. So Lord I ask You to help me get back on Your path. Guide me back to those God-given passions and show me what You would have me to do. Guide me and help me obey Your voice. I am trusting You and I am not ashamed.