It's amazing how God will bring the truth of His Word to light in our lives, especially at just the time we need it. But then again, He is God afterall! I should never be surprised at this. His Word is alive, and it speaks to me all the time. But especially over the last month or so.
I've had a few struggles in ministry over the course of the last 15 or so years. Being a minister can be challenging at times, but the call of God is always filled with confidence that He is the One doing all the work. I just need to be His servant. I've been reading lately in the New Testament, specifically 1 Corinthians and 1 & 2 Timothy. Paul is definitely a guy I can relate to in many ways. He was faithful in his ministry as he completely trusted in the Lord for everything. He wanted his life to mirror that of Christ, so that people might imitate him as he imitated Christ.
Today, I finished up reading 2 Timothy. Chapters 2-4 really spoke encouragement to me. God encourages us through Paul to trust in the Lord in times of difficulty, stay faithful to the ministry He has called us to, be poured out like a drink offering, finish the race with courage, and remember that the Lord is faithful in all things. Man, that's good stuff!
But today, possibly the one passage that encouraged me the most says this (2 Tim. 4:16-18):
"At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear...and the Lord will deliver me...and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!"
I pray I will remember this always as I seek to serve God in His ministry.
Pastor Randy
