2 Timothy 1:12 Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

Verse 7 of this chapter is justly famous, but this statement takes the cake. It is absolutely glorious! It has been beautifully set to music as a hymn, and since the previous Japanese translation was very archaic, I re-translated it into more modern Japanese, using the translation I read all the time as a framework, but being even less formal and more down-to-earth. This past Sunday having been a 5^th Sunday, all the music was by request, and someone chose that hymn. It is such a magnificent declaration of faith! Paul was writing on the basis of the persecution he endured, and that is what he was not ashamed of. Believers today are sometimes embarrassed to be found out as Christians! That’s not appreciating and exercising the faith that they have, however shallow it might be. Like Paul, we need to be convinced that Jesus is absolutely trustworthy. Different translations differ as to whether this says, “entrusted to me,” or “entrusted to Him.” I’m sure the Greek doesn’t make that clear, (as could easily be the case in Japanese) but the point of faith holds up either way. When we are rock-solid as to who Jesus is and what He is like, then absolutely nothing can shake us. This world indeed throws all sorts of junk at us, as Jesus Himself warned us it would, (John 16:33) but when we know our Lord as Paul did, all of that comes across as completely “light and momentary,” as Paul himself wrote to the Corinthians. (2 Corinthians 4:17) That assurance is joy and peace indeed!

This is something I’ve grown into over the years. My suffering hasn’t begun to compare to what Paul went through, or even that of my brothers and sisters around the world who are being persecuted today, and I’m grateful. That said, all the little baby steps of faith that I have made have grown me to the point that I’m not afraid of anything the devil and the world might throw at me. I certainly don’t want suffering, but even if it comes, it’s no big deal, because I’m assured of what my Lord has prepared for me, even though I know practically no details of it. I don’t think I’d have words to express it even if He were to show it to me in this life! I do know that on one occasion, when I was in worship, His joy so overwhelmed me that I felt like my body might give up and I’d go straight to heaven! That certainly helps whet my appetite for the full course! Meanwhile, I’m to be faithful in each thing He has for me to do here, blessing others and drawing them closer to Him. His plans are perfect, and they are the path I want to follow.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all that You are doing in and around me. May I not draw back from any of it, but rejoice to move forward as I follow You, for the salvation of others and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!