True Cause of the Suffering

Scripture: That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:12

Observation: Paul is discussing his own imprisonment, encouraging Timothy to both stay strong, but also to not be embarrassed by Paul's punishment. In other words, do not accept the idea that Paul has done something wrong, but rather understand that it is because of the only right thing - faith in the gospel - that Paul stands accused, and thus is not shameful.

Application: I am NOT Paul and in fact it is ridiculous to even consider me in a thought that involves Paul, but this is a reminder today of what is really going on in my life. This is a spiritual attack. It manifests in my life as pain and hardship, and looks like worldly problems, but this is about faith, hope, love, humility, trust, obedience, patience.

I cry to God for help like the psalmist today ...

My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
    I say, "When will you comfort me?" (Psalm 119:82)

... yet Paul tells the facts for believers in Jesus, which is that hardships are real, the world is opposed to us, and in all these things we can show faith by trusting in the truth. My Lord, the creator of heaven and earth, is on the throne. My savior, his son Jesus Christ, sits at his right hand and testifies that I am a believer. The prayers of my family are heard. I cry "abba", beg for "help", and ask "when". But I don't ask "why", for the answer is in the question ... I suffer from an evil attack by the accuser of this world, and that is no cause for shame.

Prayer: Lord, I do seek your deliverance from this situation. As I have said, you see the pain the hardship inflicted on my entire family. Please save them all from this time of suffering. Your plan is perfect, and I only seek it. Amen.