In a Time of Doubt

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 2 Timothy 1:12

Paul was in jail, and that is about all we know about the things he suffered at this time. We can imagine many others, but the important thing is that suffering fits many of us too. Jail, hospital, the workplace, and many other circumstances can lead us to a time of doubt. Suffering in prison, Paul had many reasons to indulge in a season of doubt or even self-pity. Instead, he wrote to Timothy the verse we read above.

Maybe it was that thing Paul had committed that made it easier for him to have faith? Paul had committed his life, that seems fairly valuable. Throw in enough suffering and enough belief in what Heaven has in store, and many of us would gladly give up this life for eternity with Jesus. Career, reputation, a comfortable home, influence, and a project to throw himself into - yes, Paul had given up or committed all of these things to the Lord. We didn't live his life though, so it is hard for us to grasp those things. Ah, so maybe it wasn't so much what was committed, though Paul obviously considered it valuable, but who he made the commitment to.

Nevertheless, one and all who believe in Christ Jesus come to that point where we are convinced and persuaded by the One in whom we believe. We may consider this life worth much or little. Our career may be one of sterling achievement or just a job. Homes are more of less comfortable, and we can always find one that we wish we had, but it is His home that calls to our hearts. In a time of doubt, the Lord Jesus is the one who keeps us against that day and until that day of His return.

Great is His name in all the Earth!
Bucky