Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:1-3)
Paul tells Timothy to endure hardness as a good soldier. Soldiers don’t get preferential treatment or the best of sleeping arrangements. They don’t enjoy five-star meals or concierge service.
Soldiers aren’t on assignment to indulge; they are there to fight for a purpose.
Paul knew about enduring hardness. As an apostle of the faith, Paul had to travel long journeys on foot through harsh terrain. He passed through areas known for bandits and wild animals that usually traversed there.
However, his difficulty was not found only on foot. Paul went through shipwrecks and other physical deprivations as he journeyed from one place to another, spreading the Gospel.
The difficult things didn’t happen because he was out of the will of God. On the contrary, God gave him the strength to endure because Paul was doing the will of God despite the difficulties.
Practical Application – Things may not be comfortable right now for you, and you may be experiencing some difficult situations. That doesn’t mean you are out of the will of God. Don’t give up, and don’t quit. Endure hardness as a good soldier and know that God has a plan to display your victory to the world.
2 Corinthians 11:26; Romans 15:24