“So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.”
2 Timothy 1:8 (CSB)
When looking at the circumstances from a natural perspective, the situation looked hopeless or even impossible. Paul was in prison, yet, Paul exhorted Timothy, “Don’t be ashamed to testify of the gospel!” Paul was so assured and so confident in the power of the gospel! Even though Paul was in a challenging predicament, he was fully assured in the power of God.
When going through a difficult season, the enemy tries to coerce people to shy away from or become ashamed of sharing the gospel. The definition of ashamed: reluctant to do something through fear of embarrassment or humiliation. The enemy’s desire is to keep people focused on the things they see right in front of them (circumstances) and causes them to doubt the power and authority God gave them. When doubt enters in, people lose their hope. If the enemy can get people to doubt the gospel, he has them defeated.
We must recognize, no matter the season, or the magnitude of the circumstance, never doubt God’s Word. It’s total trust and reliance on the power of God, the hope of the gospel, that assures our victory! It’s the power of God that turns things around in our favor, and makes the impossible, possible! We can declare like Paul, “the confidence of my calling enables me to overcome every difficulty without shame, for I have an intimate revelation of this God. And my faith in him convinces me that he is more than able to keep all that I’ve placed in his hands safe and secure until the fullness of his appearing” (2 Timothy 1:12 TPT).
Remember, when you testify about the gospel to others, it’s the power of God that produces the miracles. So, we can boldly testify and share the gospel with others and expect the power of God to move miraculously because it’s in His power, not our own!
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
During this season, many people have faced hardship and setbacks. Several of my disciples during this season experienced job loss, reduction of pay/hours, hardships, and negative reports. Regardless of those circumstances, each one of them determined in their heart to stay completely focused on the Word of God, totally trusting in God and relying on the power of God to change the circumstances. Through perseverance in the Word, continuing to sow and serve, they have seen the favor of God move on their behalf!
One disciple who was laid off from her job received a new job paying several thousand dollars more than what she was earning at her previous job. Another disciple who had a reduction in hours at work, determined to keep her trust in God and rely completely on Him; she was blessed financially and now has more hours at work and more income! There have been many testimonies of God’s faithfulness in this season, it is our hope in the gospel, and total trust and reliance on the power of God! (Rachel Wela)
TODAY’S DECLARATION
“I am not ashamed of the gospel; I proclaim the good news and I rely completely on the power of God!”
TODAY’S BIBLE READING
- Old Testament: Jeremiah 47-48; Song of Songs 2
- New Testament: John 5:31-47; 1 Peter 2:9-17
