Do Your Best, Confidently

In his second letter to young Timothy, Paul charged his protégé to do his best.

I like to read of Paul’s confidence in Timothy. He would not call Timothy to do as he instructed unless he believed his instructions could be followed. Paul believed in Timothy.

What began with his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (see verse 1:5) continued with Timothy. Influential women in his life and Paul (guided by the Spirit) raised and taught the eager student to love and trust in God. Paul knew that Timothy needed reminders that he could achieve much through the power of God.

2 Timothy 1:7-8a (NIV)
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.

Those words along with the verse above challenge and encourage the young man to believe in himself. Timothy could, Paul promises, present himself as one approved. What a gift of words!

A question.
     Do you have anyone who speaks such encouragement to you?
A question.
     Do you speak such encouragement into someone else?

I want to speak such words into you today. I will do so by quoting the writer of Hebrews. Receive these words.

Hebrews 10:19-25 (NIV)
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

If you are a Christian,
     those words are true for you.
If you are not a Christian,
     those words can be true for you.

Trust Jesus and do your best.

#ordinarylives