2 Timothy 1:3–5 (NKJV)
3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
We started this devotional around the time that the world was first introduced to something called coronavirus. This new health threat has quickly changed the way we do things. From gathering at church, to government-mandated masking orders, to widespread fear and panic, coronavirus and Covid 19 have teamed up to disrupt everything. With everything going on around us, it can be difficult to keep our focus where it should be, on God’s amazing promises.
The Enemy Is Lurking
One of the greatest tactics the enemy uses over and over is confusion. If the enemy can pull your attention away from the Lord, he can quickly attack. That is why it is so important to pay attention to the words in 1 Peter 5:8… (8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour… We must be sober, or have a clear mindset. We must be vigilant in guarding against attacks. When we take our focus off the Lord and allow it to wander anywhere else, we leave ourselves susceptible to the enemy.
Pray For Each Other
We see a beautiful example of friendship here between Paul and Timothy. Paul caring for Timothy as he knows the distress he is feeling right now. It is kind of funny that the person in jail is comforting the one that has freedom, but that is another devotional. Where does Paul quickly turn Timothy’s attention? Paul understands the promise of eternal salvation, he understands his permanent address, which is in heaven! So knowing the promise, Paul can re-focus Timothy's attention to the eternal instead of their current circumstance.
The Faith That In In You
Sometimes we need a little reminder of the faith that is within us. Think about the work the Lord has for us. Think about the blessings ahead. Think about the promises He has made to us. When our focus on Christ is lost, those things become less clear. When we look at the current circumstance without the eternal promise, it can be overwhelming. We must be Christians that can feel that focus shifting, and quickly turn back to the faith we have within.
Closing Thoughts:
This world is spinning out of control, this is a fact. We can be believers that use that as an excuse to fade away from our faith, or we can use that to direct our focus on the Lord like we never have before.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV)
13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
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