We have heard Paul share with us the impact of the grace of God in his life, and read the exhortations he gave to the churches about how to appropriate God's grace in their fellowship. Today we listen in on his personal words to his good friend and fellow-worker Timothy:
5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. (II Timothy 1)
As Paul thinks about Timothy's faith and faithful service for Christ and His church, he also remembers his timidity and apprehension, and reminds him of the resources God has provided by his grace, through Christ and the Holy Spirit: the power, love, and self-control of his emothions, the truth entrusted to him, and the calling that is to carry him. God had called Timothy not because Timothy had been such a good boy, but because of two characteristics of God Himself: His purpose and His grace. God has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us, which fits into His purpose, and God also has plenty of grace to go around for each one of us, to enable us to do what He calls us to do - abilities far above our own. He has proven that through what He has done in Christ - begun before man walked on earth, and now accomplished thruogh his incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. Paul then addresses Timothy's timidity point blank: "I'm willing to suffer for the truth of the Grace of God: are you? I'm willing to do my part in the pupose of God, by His grace in Christ; are you?" There is nothing God will call on me or you to do today for which He will not also give us His grace, His power, His love, and the control His Holy Spirit provides. Don't be afraid to face this day, or ashamed of God's amazing grace.
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