“We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and particularly those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:10 NLT).
With many verses littered throughout the Bible, I can insert my name and gain a huge amount of strength and encouragement, instruction and direction. Some spur me on to such an extent that I keep them written out on index cards and in full view of my work area. Others I have committed to memory for my heart’s sake.
But today? Today’s verse I cannot claim. Neither am I able to humor anyone in saying it’s about me, nor can I honestly stake a personal claim in its declarations.
What about you? Can you claim that verse as your own? Hard working towards the cause of Christ? Do you spend a fair amount of time evangelizing? Are you consistently outside your box, reaching beyond your sphere of influence, striving to reach others for Christ?
Ever suffered for the Gospel? Been beaten? Had your Bible taken away? Spent much time in an uncomfortable place because of your desire to see folks come to the Lord?
No? Well, me either. I’ve sadly adhered to a take it or leave it attitude with what little Christ I share with the world. I hate to admit, but unless they—the unknowing, unrepentive, unsaved of the world—come to me, these individuals probably won’t be bothered with my presence.
This verse convicts me. Convicts me of what little I’ve done. What little I’ve shared. What little I’ve spoken. How little effort I’ve put forth for my Savior toward the dying world He’s placed me here to reach.
Maybe I should put this verse on a recipe card and post it in prominent areas around my home and work, just as a reminder. How about you?
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for believers in Assam, a state in India. In the past few days, riots among ethnic factions have resulted in the burning of 500 villages. This is a region where Christians face much opposition and is the site of a recent kidnapping of a prominent church leader and missionary worker (miraculously released unharmed through the power of prayer).
