“But make Jesus, the Anointed One, your focus in life and ministry. For he came to earth as the descendant of David and rose from the dead, according to the revelation of the gospel that God has given me. This is the reason I am persecuted and imprisoned by evildoers, enduring the suffering of these chains—but the Word of God can never be chained!” -2 Timothy 2:8-9 (TPT)
Yep, we’re here! We are at the halfway point of 2020. And what a year it has been thus far! Typically, we would be ending semesters, making summer vacation plans, and even re-evaluating our goals and resolutions that were penned at the beginning of the year. Sometimes the halfway mark can induce guilt or shame that we haven’t made it as far as we wanted, or perhaps, given the times, we are not as energized about what lies ahead because of quarantines, travel bans, and limited openings. However, I am reminded of Paul’s sobering words to Timothy, “I am chained, but the Word of God can never be chained.”
Paul wrote many letters of encouragement and instruction to Timothy, his protege. Timothy, although super talented, gifted, and equipped, he struggled with doubt, confusion, and lack of confidence when circumstances seemed to suggest failure. In verse 8, Paul reminds Timothy of two important truths, Jesus was a man that suffered AND He conquered the greatest earthly defeat. Then Paul goes on to reflect that same parallel in verse 9 when sharing his own physical imprisonment AND the unyoked characteristic of God’s Word. Although an earthly dichotomy, Paul was describing the spiritual duality of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. He encouraged himself and Timothy in the midst of all that is going on that God’s truth is still alive and working in us.
Similarly, like a team during halftime, it’s an opportunity to pull out God’s “playbook” in the midst of the game and remind ourselves of His Truth and His promises in our lives. Although we have had to live a new normal that feels confining and limiting, God’s mission for us is without bounds, and knows no limits. That’s the heavenly duality! So, in this time let us reset, re-strategize, and respond with victory in our sight; walking upright and equipped with every dream, aspiration, plan and hope ready to be used in the second half. Remembering that His victory, His Truth, His Word about us can never be withheld.
Reflection
What promises, goals, and hopes do you need to resurface? What is the part of your circumstance that feels limiting or restrained? Where are the opportunities for God to show His unbridled power? Don’t be shy--where do you want Him to flex his divine muscles?
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for reminding us of the mighty duality of walking with You! We can be physically confined, but Your Word for us has no bounds. Help us to be like Paul, naming our weakness in our human selves, and still proclaiming the power portal that You have placed in us through Your Word. Father, help me to see, hear, and listen for You during this time, for I know You are speaking, and giving instruction on how I can reset my heart, my mind, my thoughts, and my actions. I’m listening, God, and ready to move. Amen.
Photo by Constantin Shimonenko on Unsplash
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