October 26, 2021
Instructions to Endure Hardships
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT)
My precious child though there is much unrest in the world these are the last days – so you must prepare mentally and get tough! (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Consider My servant Timothy and how he must have felt as he pastored a church in Ephesus where there was cruel persecution, and the members of his church were being beheaded – giving their life as martyrs because of their faith in Me as their Savior. In addition, other members and leaders of his church were fleeing their faith, returning to pagan worship to save their lives or that is what they thought. (2 Timothy 3:10-17) “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. (Matthew 10:28) Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Things were looking bad and were getting worse in Ephesus. Paul was Timothy’s spiritual father and mentor. Paul understanding his plight sent him a letter to encourage him. He told him to toughen up and prepare himself mentally! You may have to suffer but if that is what you have to do – you must do whatever is necessary to complete your assignment to build the Kingdom of God in Ephesus!
When I open a door for you in new territory you must prepare yourself mentally and in the spirit. Everyone goes through overwhelming challenges from time to time and the truth is a spirit of fear comes to stop you when I have a great assignment and plan for you. However, I have given you the authority to take dominion over your mind (thoughts) and cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Me (God), bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ and that includes a spirit of fear. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) The authority that you have been given builds you up to encourage you; it doesn’t tear you down. It’s time for you to rise to the occasion and overcome every challenge you face in the power of the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 10:7-8)
Power in the Greek means God in action! Your Heavenly Father is in action in you! This is an opportunity to walk in My power – even through hardships as a good soldier! Don’t be soft and wimpy about your faith! You must make the commitment to fulfill the call on your life. Cry out to Me and ask Me to help toughen you up in the Spirit, so you can deal with any attack the devil shoots at you! When fires of persecution come it always reveals what’s in your heart and your commitment. A crisis reveals what’s in you! Endure suffering along with Me like a good soldier! Athletes can’t win the prize unless they follow the rules. It is the diligent hardworking farmer who gets to enjoy the fruit of their labor. (2 Timothy 2:3-13) Just like Timothy was instructed to do so I instruct you – prepare yourself mentally and get tough!
