“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” 2 Timothy 3:10-12
I read once that the second book of Timothy has been referred to as “Paul's last will and testament" and this is certainly fitting as it was probably the last letter Paul wrote before his earthly journey came to an end. It is thought that Paul had most likely been killed by Roman soldiers before this letter of encouragement actually reached Timothy. His words of encouragement still hold true for you, me and these children attending the Lutheran school in Pont Sonde in Haiti. We can daily learn so much from Paul through his words as we identify with his challenges and blessings each and every day.
In 2 Timothy 4:7 Paul writes “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” and encourages each of us to do the same as we serve our Heavenly Father with our lives; our talents, our time and our treasures. The hymn ‘Take my life and let it be’ was written by Frances Havergal in 1874 and it seemed like a good match for Paul’s letter and also a reminder for each of us today.
“Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee; take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love; take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee. Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King; take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee. Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold; take my intellect and use every power as Thou shalt choose. Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine; take my heart, it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure-store; take myself, and I will be ever, only, all, for Thee.”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay