NOT ASHAMED

NOT ASHAMED

II Tim. 1:12 And that is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.  NLT

      Paul was a powerful witness for Christ.  Everywhere he went he made sure that he preached and taught the truth about Jesus.  Some people accepted his message and many didn’t.  Those who rejected Paul’s message often rejected him.  They would go out of their way to make life miserable for Paul because they themselves were miserable.  They would make Paul suffer physically in ways that most of us will never have to experience.  Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter simply because he would not shut up.  He was compelled to preach and teach the Word of God.

      Paul considered it a privilege and joy to be in prison for the sake of the Gospel.  He felt like he did because he was totally committed to Christ.  He loved Him as much as any man could possibly love Him.  He was not ashamed of the life he lived because he knew that to the best of his ability he was living rightly before God.  Paul was absolutely confident that his life was not in vain, that God was pleased with him and would keep him safe in Him not only in this life but in death as well.

     The issue that we must consider as well is how confident we are that we are living a life in Christ that pleases God.  In light of God’s Word, are you living a consistent, godly life?  Are you living a life that pleases God, or do you have things that you are ashamed of?  Are you absolutely sure that God is protecting your soul and will welcome you into His presence someday?

       If there is any doubt at all in your mind today about the life you are living, today is the day that you need to get things straightened out with God.  Don’t put it off.  The longer you mess around the farther away from God you will drift.  He wants you to know that you know that all is well with your soul.  Entrust your soul to Him who is the keeper of the soul and you will never be disappointed.

      Suffering may very well be a part of your faith walk.  If it is, there is no shame with that.  It is a badge of honor to suffer for the Lord.  If you do suffer because of your faith, it means that you are living the faith and others are noticing.

       Don’t give up.  The Lord is coming and when He does, He will take all who faithfully live in Him home to be with Him in heaven.