Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
That is why I am suffering as I am. 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.
After meeting a friend recently for coffee, I walked away with shoulders slumped. For months I had tried to lead her to Christ, but to no avail. On the way home, I found myself praying, “Lord, I don’t see how I am really making any difference here.”
Situations like these can leave us feeling like our efforts are small and dry in light of such a big need. It can feel a bit like we are leaving only breadcrumbs behind. What do we do with these people and frustrated efforts? God tells us to entrust each one to Him. Not a single “crumb” is wasted. With the mighty hand that fed 5000 from only a few loaves and fish, Jesus takes the seemingly small bits and He multiplies them for His glory.
We don’t always see a fresh rising loaf from relationships we invest in or see the immediate conversion of a life changed. We don’t always see the heartiness of grains left behind from our efforts. Sometimes investing in people takes us out of our comfort zone. We long and hurt for the hearts of others to know Jesus. Investing in people always costs us something, even if it is just our time. These are pieces of suffering we do for Christ. These pieces are not scraps to be tossed away, but should be given to the Lord to guard and grow until Christ returns.
Paul penned words that spurred on Timothy’s ministry and encourage ours today. We can have confidence in the message of the Gospel. Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that God’s word never returns void but instead prospers where God sends it. When we love others and open our mouths in the name of Jesus, we do so with the power of God’s Holy Spirit in us (2 Timothy 1:14). Like Paul, our confidence doesn’t come from evidence of our own performance, but from our intimate relationship with our God. We join Paul in saying, “I know whom I have believed.” God entrusts each of us with the message of the Good News, not only for our own heart but also to share with others. God gives us unique talents and abilities as well as unique situations and relationships, and we can place each one of these under God’s care and protection as He works in us and through us for His glory.
This trust is beautifully woven together in Christ. God fills our life with people and situations in which we get to live out the gospel message that lives in us. And the very things God gives to us, He invites us to place under His care. They were never ours anyway. When we love and pray for someone or when we leave a situation at the foot of the cross we are entrusting them to Jesus. What safety, power, and hope for every situation or relationship today! Is there a person or circumstance in your life today that needs to be entrusted to God today?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, you alone can take a situation that seems fruitless and grow it for your glory. You alone can change hearts. I trust you Lord, not in my visible efforts. When I entrust people and situations to you, they are safe under your watch and guard. Give me boldness and clarity as I share my faith and rest each crumb at your feet to care and grow in the power of your Holy Name, Jesus, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Psalm 119:50:
This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.