Isolated But Still Trusting

Paul was in a prison somewhere in Rome. He was not under house arrest, as he was when he wrote his first letter to Timothy; he was now chained as a common criminal (2 Timothy 2:9) in a cold cell (2 Timothy 4:13). Although Paul was lonely, his heart was for the Lord, and for the ministry in Ephesus under Timothy’s leadership. He knew that he would not come out of prison alive (2 Timothy 4:6-8) but wanted to finish his life and ministry well – ensuring that Timothy would stay strong and firm to train others for Gospel ministry (2 Timothy 2:1-2).
 
Paul knew his calling, which was soon to be completed. He was Christ’s apostle and ambassador to the world; a missionary with the unique message that Jesus Christ is the Lord of all, and the Saviour of the world. That role was given by Christ’s command, and he was obedient, even though it got him into a lot of trouble. He kept going because he was still confident in Jesus. He wanted Timothy, a young man he had discipled, to stay confident in the Lord who pours grace, mercy and peace on those who trust Him and serve Him.
 
This letter will encourage you if you are in a spiritual battle, with greater responsibilities than you can bear: also, if you are isolated, lonely and suffering because you follow Jesus. God is still the same. He gives eternal life to all who are trusting in Jesus. As we become active disciples of Jesus, He lavishes grace, mercy and peace on us so that we can serve Him well, despite hardship, until the end of our lives. It is important to start the Christian life but much more important to finish it well. With God’s limitless resources, we can!