“therefore i endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” [2 timothy 2:10]

‘therefore’… therefore calls us to remember the verses leading up to this point. yesterday, we saw paul’s great contrast between darkness and light, between the chains that bound him and the powerful, unbound word of God, as he lifts his eyes off of what’s happening around him and onto the King of kings. now paul says as it were, ‘it’s because of this truth, since the word of God isn’t bound, i endure everything.’

as we mediate on the word of God, we see it’s power as it stands alone and in contrast to the sin and darkness that we may see in the world around us. it is this power that gives us the strength to endure the suffering or trials that may come our way so that those around us might see Christ glorified in our suffering.

as we call to mind the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the power of the word of God, it gives us the strength to endure, to endure with joy and endure with hope knowing that,

“the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” [rom 8:18]

this entire passage calls for a perspective shift, a change in thinking, a shift that only comes through spending time in the presence of our king and savior. here again, paul lifts his eyes up, off of the suffering he is experiencing in this life and reminds himself of the hope of the eternal salvation we have in Christ.

so he endures, not just for his sake but for the sake of those around him. that as they watch him endure everything with his eyes set on the cross, they too might behold the beauty of Christ and repent and trust in Christ as well.

as you read this verse and this devotional today, my prayer is that this would just be the start. don’t read this and just go on with the rest of your day.

pause.

take time,

and be still in the presence of God.

meditate on this verse today and may your soul be filled with the hope and beauty and peace of the gospel as you rest and trust in who God is. no matter what may be causing suffering around you, may your eyes be firmly set on the one who has not only saved you but calls you to eternal glory with him forever.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. therefore we will not fear

though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though it waters road and foam, though the mountains tremble at it’s swelling. (selah) the nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. the Lord of hosts is with us; the God of jacob is our fortress. (selah)

‘be still, and know that i am God. i will be exalted among the nations, i will be exalted in the earth.’ 

the Lord of hosts is with us; the God of jacob is our fortress. selah”

[psalms 46: 1-3, 6-7, 10-11]

~ josiah bridges