As Paul faced extremely challenging circumstances near the end of his life, many he had led to the Lord had abandoned him. Nevertheless, he was confident that the Lord would not abandon him! He had committed his life to Jesus as Lord, and the Lord would ensure that Paul’s investment would not be wasted. His life, future, and eternal destiny were entrusted to the Lord. He was confident they were also secure in the Lord (Romans 8:32-39). With every fiber of his being, Paul believed that on a specific day known only to God the Father, Jesus the Son would return, every knee would bow, and Paul’s faith in the Lord would be joyously validated. I am convinced Paul’s conviction was on the mark. My life and future are based on that conviction. Paul prayer is that you share this same conviction, too! “I am suffering … Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
January 21
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good