Be Faithful and Achieve God's Purpose . . .

"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:14-15 NKJ)

Most people face very important battles everyday. No battle is a small one. Some people choose extraordinary issues to confront. They speak out on social ills. Others identify political and moral decline. Still others war against poverty and injustices.

And of course, preachers all across the world battle the satanic forces and spiritual issues to liberate enslaved souls. And almost daily, we are tempted to give up and quit the fight. Yet, we must remember: if it is worth a fight, it is worth a continuous commitment.

The Apostle Paul encouraged young Pastor Timothy in his pastoral battles. "You have learned some things in your life. You have confidence in those things. You confidence is strong because you know who taught you them to you. In addition, you have been taught the Scriptures from childhood. And you know you can trust the Scriptures, because they produce wisdom and salvation through Jesus Christ."

Courage comes from the fact that we know, and what we know can not be taken from us. And this is our confidence: we know the one who taught us. So, it should come as no surprise that we are called to be loyal and faithful as "hardened soldiers." And when we consider the Scriptures we have been taught from childhood, then our strength is regained and we never ask why we should continue.

We can trust the Scriptures. There's salvation through Christ Jesus in the Scriptures! That's worth fighting for.

Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Enable me to fight the good fight and achieve all that you plan for me. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

The Lord beside you gives you the strength to fight every battle.