~ written by Connie Dunmyer
There is an old hymn titled “I Know Whom I have Believed”. It is based off of 2 Timothy 1:12. If you’ve grown up in the church, you’ve likely heard it, too. And if so, when you “read” 2 Timothy 1:12 – you likely “sing” the words, at least in your head. Well, I do.
“For the which cause 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 that which I’ve committed unto him against that day.”
– 2 Timothy 1:12 KJV
The last part is the part we all know and sing. But what about the first part? Before I get to the song – to the praise, I need to be reminded that this is not an easy-peasy praise. Paul is writing this letter from a Roman prison – his second Roman imprisonment, for which he was awaiting death. Nero was accusing Christians of burning down Rome and was persecuting Christians in the most heinous ways. Paul is encouraging Timothy, the entire Christian world, you and me, to not give up, to stand strong. This was Paul’s final letter before he was killed.
Paul is suffering – to be sure – as were many Christians. But Paul says “nevertheless, I am not ashamed”! And then comes the song – the praise . . . why am I not ashamed even during all this torture... Because I know the One I believe in – I know Jesus Christ! And what I know is that Jesus will guard and keep everything I have committed to him. What have I committed to him? Well – me. My life. My soul. My spirit. My family. My home. My present. My circumstances. My fears. My finances. My health. My future. My eternity.
And then we hit those last 3 words: “against that day”. NIV says “for that day." ESV says “until that day.”
What day? The day of great temptation – both subtle and strong.
What day? The day when pain and anguish come suddenly to crush the soul.
What day? The day of destruction, when our lifetime treasures are swept away.
What day? The day when death arrives at my door, and I am bid to pass through.
"Against that day, that day of dread,
when the strong heart faileth and hope is fled,
day of life’s direst need or death’s dark sleep,
I am persuaded that my God is able my soul to keep."
“For God has promised that we shall triumph in the evil hour and has made provision by means of which we may do so. It is up to us to seek out these provisions and to learn to use them; for when sudden evil strikes, the soul who has not already learned to use God’s armor will have no opportunity to learn to do so then. Those whose trust is in Him may suffer evil, but they shall not be overwhelmed by it: ‘they shall not be ashamed in the evil time.’” ~ Margaret Clarkson - “Grace Grows Best in Winter”
I may not understand, and I may not see the purpose of this trial – be it sudden or long-lasting. But God has provided ALL I need. For I have been gifted the One Who “makes all things new”, Who “provides”, Who “takes what is evil and makes it good”, Who has “overcome the world”.
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:5
The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. Psalm 37:18-19
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:19-20
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
I must arm myself with all that God has provided. For who knows the day or the hour when life will change forever. So I commit all I am and all I have to the Father Who loves me and is strong and trustworthy – in joy or pain, in plenty or lack, in life or death.
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