2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Jeremiah 42:1-44:23 ESV, 2 Timothy 2:1-21 ESV, Psalm 92:1-93 ESV, Proverbs 26:3-5 ESV
Daily Verse: “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3 ESV)
KAKOPATHEO (2553): “To undergo hardship. This word from kakos, “evil,” pathos, “suffering,” signifies “to suffer hardship.” It is translated “endure hardness,” 2 Tim. 2:3.”[1]
Endure hardness.
Paul’s encouraging Timothy because he understands pain and suffering come with the journey. No one on earth avoids the combination, no matter how they appear from the outside. Everyone struggles in life, including Jesus, who endured harsh persecution and responded with love.
How we respond to the difficulties we encounter on the journey makes the difference. We can’t control much in life, but we can control our actions. Job’s response after losing his children, flock, and health amaze me:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21 ESV)
Persevere with perspective.
Both Jesus and Job kept their eye on the prize. They remembered the Lord and His sovereign power when troubles came their way. Everything on earth will pass away, but things of heaven last forever.
Keeping the Son in your eyes as you travel through storm waters will help you stay afloat. Trusting God’s plan when heartache comes upon you will help you persevere through it.
Paul’s encouragement of Timothy helps him overcome the trials the missionary faces. In the same way, we can help spur others onward when they deal with life’s hurts. Sometimes taking a step forward challenges the best of us; we need assistance to keep going.
Pain and suffering come with life on earth. Only when God calls us home will we leave our struggles behind. Until then, we can encourage others on the journey, as well as receive help when we need it.
God never meant us to walk alone; He gives us other believers to journey with us. Become involved in a local church with solid, Biblical teaching, and you will find the assistance you need when you need it.
Respond well by surrounding yourself with fellow believers to help you. Don’t try facing the struggles of this world on your own. Tap into God’s strength by connecting with His family. Together, you can overcome anything.
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 126) Thomas Nelson
