Despair comes when we are facing difficult times. But when we prepare, that adversity seems less daunting.
“13Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 1:13 (ESV)
Paul is writing to Timothy and preparing him to launch out on his own in ministry. Timothy had been with Paul and helping him and now was the time for Timothy to take the lead. Paul, knowing Timothy, knew that there would be some anxiety about doing the work on his own and therefore wrote to encourage and remind Timothy that he already knew what was needed and how to do the job. He would just have to lean on what he knew and look back to the teachings and action that he and Paul took.
When we find ourselves in a difficult spot, how often are we looking back to contemplate actions that worked in the past? How often are we leaning on the knowledge we have and finding comfort in the peace that came from it?
For me, as a detailed personality, I tend to prepare, prepare, and over prepare for the upcoming. In doing so I find myself leaning on me to know and get things done. What if I were to look back and find the actions that God led me in to discern what actions are needed going into this new adventure? What I need has already been given, and I just need to go back and find it.
What actions are you taking when adversity comes? Are you preparing for the upcoming or just letting them happen? Are you looking back for answers to what you can do going forward?
Trevor's Thoughts 