October 28, 2022 - 2 Timothy 2:12a

“If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.” 2 Timothy 2:12a NLT

Lord, I find this verse so encouraging. We’ll face hardships. We’ll each go through things that seem to tear us apart and make us question everything we know to be true. We will all have moments when we feel so far from you and lost in despair. When we face these times, help us to keep things in the correct perspective. I have found in those lost moments of despair, if I cling to you and your truth, no matter what I feel like or how far away you feel, you will help me stand on your truth. We must push past the emotions we feel and force ourselves to stand on what is true. Also, remind us to look outward. We are not alone in suffering. There are others who have it so much harder than us and have kept the faith - even walked in your joy through their hardship. We read stories in the bible and in the history books of people who overcame extreme hardship clinging to you. We see the persecuted church around the world today who endure beating, extreme rejection from their loved ones and society, unjust prison sentences, watching cruelty to or death of loved ones because of their faith, and so much more. Lord, when we look at people who walk through these things for your name’s sake, it makes our hardships often seem much smaller. Give us that kind of resolve to cling to you regardless of what we are facing.

This verse tells us that if we stick with you and trust you to get us through, we will reign with you. Reign - meaning you will share some of your governing power with us. Jesus, it is astounding that you would be willing to share your reign with us. But this verse tells us that is exactly what you will do if we endure hardship with you. Help us press through and keep our focus on you where it should be. Help us learn to fully and joyfully trust you no matter what we face.

In Jesus name, amen.