Verse: 2 Timothy 1:8
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
Devotion
I don’t think we often get a chance to suffer for the gospel. I’m not sure I know what that means, because of growing up in the U.S. My takeaway here has more to do with the second part – by the power of God.
We are called to do hard things sometimes. Uncomfortable things. Things that pull us out of our routines and out on a limb. And it’s here that we are given a power that is beyond us. We are given this power not because we deserve it for stepping out on that limb, but because of grace.
Because of God’s grace to us, we get invited in. We are able to be a part of the story he is writing. I don’t know why he loves and values us so much, why he desires our collaboration, but he does! That is a part of grace. We are deeply loved, and God wants us to partner with him. Not in a false way, where he pretends to let us play a part, and then when our back is turned, he fixes what we did and moves on. No. He actually values our clumsy, imperfect efforts. He sees them as beautiful. He sees them as usable. Maybe he sees them as they should be, I don’t know. But I am grateful.
Prayer
Lord, you are so good to us. Help us to be faithful to the things you call us to do. Thank you that you are always faithful to meet us there.
Author: Emily Costa
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