“For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”
– 2 Timothy 1:12
A strong conviction is required for any act of courage in times
of adversity and persecution. Paul wanted Timothy to have a strong conviction
by reminding the works of God. Apparently, Timothy was not courageous as he
should be. Paul was slandered and arrested. Timothy could be charged too. Paul
was exhorting Timothy not to be afraid of the persecution. He must proclaim the
gospel, even if it would take him to prison like Paul.
In this verse 12, Paul understood his suffering as a divine
calling, something to be endured joyfully, never to be ashamed of, no matter
what everyone might say or think. A call to suffer is for all Christians,
according to Philippians 1:28-29. Paul drew attention to the trustworthiness of
Jesus Christ. Jesus wasn't afraid of suffering. He was slandered, mocked,
beaten, crucified, and even bore the damnation of God for the gospel of
Salvation.
In Jesus, we see not only the pattern of suffering and
trustworthiness, Paul reminded Timothy of the power of God to preserve us
forever. Jesus warned us not to be ashamed of Him, but to suffer for Him. Peter
denied Christ three times in one night. Jesus, the true Shepherd, forgave him
and reinstated him to be a leader of His mission. Indeed, no one can snatch a
Christian away from His hands (John 10:28). Not even our sin can make us slip,
nor can we jump out because God's hand is stronger than anything.
This is our God, Saviour, and Lord. Nothing in life is outside
His sovereign plan. Therefore, we need not be timid because of the adversaries,
nor be afraid of our own weakness; rather we are to put our trust in God for
who He is and His promises. Are you a timid Christian? Do you feel ashamed of
following Christ publicly? Think of Christ and His Apostles, their warnings,
examples, sufferings, and assurance of faith!