I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.
2 Timothy 1:12b, NIV*
This is the first verse I ever memorized on my own initiative—well, I learned it as part of a hymn, and was delighted to recognize it in my Bible.
I’ve been reading the book Majesty in Motion: Creating an Encouragement Culture in all Your Relationships, and one thing that has challenged me is the need for personal confidence in God. This is area I’ve been working to grow in for a number of years, and confidence in God is the basis for enabling us to encourage others, so we won’t be threatened by their needs or our inadequacies.
This week I’ve chosen to pray and meditate on God’s strength and promises, as a way of cultivating that confidence. When I found this verse from 2 Timothy in my daily reading, something clicked.
I’d always taken the words to mean that God would keep my soul at the end. But it’s so much more: He is ready and able to look after me in the here and now. Exactly what I needed to read this week!
Father, You are so good to us. You show Your care in so many ways. Help me to believe You and to stay confident in Your care whatever the day brings. I won’t necessarily like what comes, but You can use it. And it’s not about me, it’s about You. Help me live in love and confidence in You so others will see the difference You make.
∞
Here’s the hymn that started teaching me Scripture: “I Know Whom I Have Believed,” from Amazing Worship.
*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Janet,
That is one of my favorite songs because the Lord is so faithful in everything that goes on around us…. We might not be able to understand why we have to endure certain circumstances, but God’s wisdom always proves to be best and we can trust His love.
Thank you for sharing.
Margaret
“Great is Thy Faithfulness” is another solid song to encourage our faith. As long as we can trust God, we’ll be okay even though we don’t understand.
Blessings, Margaret!
Hi Janet,
Wow! What a confirmation this one is. I just happened to post today what God put into my heart…and am amazed because the very words I have used in my posting I have read in yours. ….that God will keep my soul in the end… has spoken to me yet again more than a million words. I love God’s Spirit. He is always right on time.
God bless! Blessed words indeed.
Love and hugs,
Gladwell
Isn’t God amazing, Gladwell? He’s so good to give us what we need when we need it!