The Rock on Which I Stand
“Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:3 (NASB)
When we endure hardship with a soldier’s attitude, we do not give up, and march on following out our mission. Then we witness remarkable things that happen in the name of Jesus Christ.
Years ago, I worked for someone that asked me to do things that were not honest or honorable with the bookkeeping for the company. I felt tested and trapped. I approached the owner in privacy behind closed doors. When I walked out of their office, I realized I had been manipulated and made to feel I was making too much out of nothing. I was left questioning my corporate experience in the field. Was I really seeing the situation clearly? Maybe I didn’t understand fully what was being asked of me. After some time regaining my judgement, I knew what was being asked of me was wrong to take part. Around the same time, I had recommitted myself to Jesus, professing my faith to all who would hear. I believe I was in the middle of a tug a war between Satan and Jesus. Satan was trying to win me back with temptation, and Jesus was providing me the courage to approach this person and stand for what was morally right. I knew I was under spiritual attack.
While in prison awaiting his death, Apostle Paul writes his final letter to his spiritual brother Timothy. His letter of 2 Timothy is full of heartfelt advice that provides wise counsel. To understand Paul’s relation to Timothy, he refers himself as a father to him through the gospel, a son who he has spiritually mentored. (1 Corinthians 4:15) Paul uses all his wisdom acquired through his life experiences in his relationship with Jesus Christ as last words that he hopes will impact not only Timothy but all Gods spiritual soldiers.
Here is the takeaway message Paul want us to know:
1. Seek the help of Jesus (Gain strength in Jesus.)
2. Avoid useless babblings (encourage others to do God’s work righteously.)
3. Share with others you trust. (Be an example: Teach others how you respond or react.)
4. Avoid foolishness and question of your experience and wisdom (When trials and temptation arise, we need an army who stands by Jesus.)
5. Jesus will give you the strength and understanding. (What would Jesus do?)
Looking at what Paul shares with Timothy, I see now how important it was that I responded the way I did in my personal situation. I called on my sister soldiers in Christ to be my prayer warriors. Their encouragement, fellowship, prayers, and support are what kept me to be honest and true to who I am in Jesus until I no longer worked for the company. The Lord blessed and rewarded me after that job. God placed me in his church to do the work that was planned for me. I no longer worked in the corporate world, but with his children growing his kingdom. I was given the medal of Jesus follower and soldier.
Reflection Questions:
1. When have you felt the tug a war between Satan and Jesus?
2. How did you respond?
3. Where did you turn to?
4. What is Jesus calling you to do right now?
Stand firm on God’s foundation as a soldier of Christ Jesus and gain strength in your situation. There are witnesses all around you that will see how you respond and march on through a tough time. Who are you a witness to? Who is your Timothy? Let them see a soldier in Jesus come through it!
“Christ is my firm foundation
The Rock on which I stand
When everything around me is shaking
I’ve never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus”
Lyrics to “Firm Foundation” (He Won’t)
Maverick City Music
(Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine)
