Therefore do not be
ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me
in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who
has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but
according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus
from all eternity,
2 Timothy 1:8-9 New American Standard
Bible (NASB)
These verses come just after
Paul reminds Timothy of his gift and calling in God. He is also reminded that
God did not give him a spirit of fear, but of power, love and discipline. Because
of these things, he should not be ashamed, but instead continue to work in the
midst of suffering. Suffering is nothing to be ashamed of for it is not a sign
of God’s displeasure or of disgrace, but a sign that we are counted as Christ,
worthy to suffer for the gospel. Suffering for the cause of Christ is actually
something to be proud of. We are not suffering for a fake God, but the true
King of the world who saved and called each of us according to His plan. It had
nothing to do with us, but everything to do with His grace. He created us for a
purpose and saved and called us for that same purpose. As a result, we should
willingly work and follow Him in whatever He calls us so that we can fulfill
His plan for us, even if that means suffering. One day, all suffering and death
will be over and we will receive the reward of our faithfulness. Don’t lose
heart. Don’t be afraid or ashamed. Remember who made, saved and called you and
do everything for His glory!
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