8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.

12 For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Keith Hengpoonthana

I was bullied in high school. Everything I said and everything I did was mocked and ridiculed. There were days when I dreaded going to school. Even worse, there was no escape even away from school, as the bullies carried on their harassment outside of school. To this day a part of me wants to avoid anything that might draw attention to me being different. I always desperately wanted to fit in. I was anxious about what people thought about me all the time. So it’s no surprise that sharing the gospel with others, particularly non-believers, is one of the most difficult parts of my Christian life. The few times that I have tried evangelism and failed brings back the angst of my childhood.

So I found this a hard passage to read initially. Paul wanted Timothy to not be ashamed of proclaiming the good news of our Lord Jesus and to join him in suffering for the gospel. My heart sank; this is all too hard for me. I can imagine Timothy felt the same, knowing that Paul who he cared dearly about was imprisoned and suffering. But as I read on, Paul encourages him to hold strong. Why? Because we have been saved by the grace of God in Christ Jesus who defeated death and brought us to eternal life. The Lord has called us to fulfil his purpose, including Paul and Timothy, and… even me, the anxiety-ridden scaredy-cat. Paul himself suffered for the gospel. He knew full well what it costs to follow Jesus, and he reasoned that it is well worth it.

I read stories of Christians being persecuted around the world for boldly proclaiming the gospel, some even losing their lives. I realise that the suffering I went through at school is nothing compared to how those Christian brothers and sisters are persecuted, it doesn’t compare to what Paul and the original disciples had to bear, and it certainly doesn’t compare to the suffering and death of Jesus, who took the punishment for my sins upon himself.

Pray today that we may be able to withstand the hardship of following Jesus and proclaiming the gospel. Be encouraged in knowing that on that final day we will be raised with Him, and there will no longer be any suffering forever.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keith is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.