Be Strong.
2 Timothy 2:1 tells us to “be strong”. This strength doesn’t come from pumping iron. It’s not even emotional stoicism, trying to appear unmoved. This strength is connected to the grace we find in Jesus. Only in knowing our position as recipients of God’s grace we find strength to withstand hardships. In verse 4 Paul compares the believer to a good soldier. Our goal is not to please those around us but only our “commanding officer”. The same principle extends to athletes. During competition, the focus is not on the competition but on the crown (v.5) We endure hardship because our eyes are not on the current situation - but on the end goal.
It’s in engaging in God’s grace and receiving it that we are able to say ” when I am weak, then I am strong” (2. Cor. 12:10). When our lives are embedded in Christ we are made strong.
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Quit putting up a front guys! Share your burdens with one another. Be weak and be made strong in HIM. You have nothing to prove because God loves you as you are. In fact, you’ll be suprised with what a privilege it is for your brothers to enter in the fellowship of your suffering.
But as in any addiction, including addiction to “drama”, you gotta admit to yourself that you don’t have it altogether. THEN you will find healing.
God gave himself through Christ Jesus. Then left his Holy Spirit behind to help us. If THAT wasn’t enough he has also left his family (Church Body) to be able to carry one another’s burdens!!
I want to be counted strong in Him not on my own strength. Otherwise, I’m destined to fail …epically.
In the words of Juan Ruiz: “who is I anyway?”
- part of the devo adapted from www.todayintheword.com
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