Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

When I read in 2 Timothy 2 about strength and perseverance, I can’t help but think about the Book of Job. I have reflected many times in life on how people say cliché things like “God won’t give you more than you can handle” and “Bad things won’t happen to good people”, but as a human being, I have experienced some of the heaviest and hardest journeys that any person may be called to walk. Was it more than I could handle? That would be a resounding, YES. But God… With God’s presence and His strength, I not only survived but my faith grew immensely and I experienced an unexplainable faith that could only come from God.

What did Job teach us through his journey recounted in 42 chapters?

• Job’s suffering did not happen because he was bad, but rather a test of his faithfulness.
• Even in our suffering, we cannot lose our hope in God.
• Even if our friends and family fail us, God never will.
• Even if He seems silent, God is always present.
• God is with us even in our storms.
• After repentance and forgiveness come blessings.

If your story helps the next person walk through a difficult time a little easier, then you didn’t suffer in vain. Paul challenged Timothy to be strong. This was an important encouragement as Paul knew that Timothy would need strength and endurance to fulfill the calling God gave him.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Look at the checklist above of what we can learn from Job’s journey. How many of these truths have you witnessed personally in your life?
• I challenge you to make a list of how each of these truths speaks to you personally. As you may have picked up by now, I love to journal. I relish the ability to look back on ALL the things He has done for me.
• Prayer: Dear God, in the times that life is hardest, it is so difficult to be strong. I am so thankful that you are with us through those times and that you never leave us. I am thankful that through the storms of my life, I have learned even more about your faithfulness. You bring abundance to us from our faithfulness to you. Thank you for all of the truths we talked about today. Amen.

Family Devo: 2 Timothy 2

By: Kaylee Collins

When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model.  

Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset  

Head

In today’s reading, Paul is instructing Timothy to follow Jesus and tell others about him no matter the consequences. Paul teaches us to continue to put our faith in Jesus despite our pain and suffering caused by this world. Even in hard times, we still experience God’s grace. Paul also reflects on his own suffering with a positive perspective: “So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen”. Not only does Paul show us what it means to be strong through God’s grace, but he also guides us to run away from sinful desires. Instead, we are called to run towards righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace.  

Heart

Have you ever thought about what it means to follow Jesus no matter what the consequences may be? Luckily, we are not actual prisoners of war stuck on a ship during a storm. However, many times people get caught up in what other people think about them and “fitting in” instead of staying true to their faith. Have you ever let the fear of what others may think of you impact the way you follow Jesus? When we start to have these worldly thoughts, it is important that we remember that nothing here on Earth can compare to the eternal gift of grace that we receive through Christ Jesus.  

Hands

Paul instructed Timothy to go out and teach the truth of Christ Jesus to other people. Take a moment to think about someone in your life who you could share these truths with.  

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for remaining faithful to us even when we are unfaithful to You. Thank You for Your unending love and grace. Give us the courage to help others come to know, love, and follow You. For You have given us the greatest gift of all time.