The Secret to Doing Great Exploits for the Lord

Metropolitan

February 14, 2020

In 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul tells young Timothy to “join with me in suffering for the gospel,” Paul’s life paved the way and sets the example for Timothy. And what an example it was!

-What was the keeping power behind Paul’s courage?

-How was he able to stand up again and again in the face of all the opposition that came his way?

-How could he confidently plead with Timothy to stand in that same kind of courage?

The answer is found in 2 Timothy 1:12, where Paul says, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.”

Paul found his courage in knowing the Lord who said, “All authority has been given to Me. The gates of hell will not prevail against My Church. No one can stand against you when I am with you”

Paul knew God…

• He knew that He alone was sovereign and in control of every circumstance.

• He knew that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.

• His hope was in Him.

• His courage was in Him.

Listen to Paul as he stands upon the broken deck of a shipwrecked boat, proclaiming to a crew of fearful men expecting their soon death. As they’re tossing barrels and cargo aside in hopes for a few more moments to live, Paul stands up and says, “I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid’ (Acts 27:22–24).

Even while sitting in prison, Paul maintained this attitude. Emperor Nero may have thought, This Paul is my prisoner. He’s finished. But Paul was declaring, “I am not Nero’s prisoner. I am the Lord’s prisoner. The Lord is my Master, and because I am His, I am free even in prison.”

Paul knew his God, and it affected the way he saw every situation in his life and it determined his courage.

We must have this same confidence. We must hear the One who called us saying,

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God” (Isaiah 43:1–3, NKJV).

Today, take courage and stand strong. Approach each day with confidence in the God you serve.