I finished reading 1st and 2nd Kings, and I’ve been working my way through Chronicles, but my eyes have begun to cross somewhat, from reading so many names.

In an effort to give my brain a rest, I took a short break from the Old Testament and decided to spend some time with Paul. Over the last few days I’ve been reading through both the letters to Timothy, as well as reading through Titus.

I’ll be honest in saying that I cried through nearly all of 2 Timothy. I almost felt Paul’s desire to be called home, when he spoke of the metalworker, who brutally mistreated him. By the time Paul wrote the second letter to Timothy, pretty much everyone had abandoned him.

When I wasn’t crying, though, I found that I was quite touched by how strongly Paul clung to God’s faithfulness, even in the worst of circumstances. How did he keep the faith, under such constant and often brutal treatment for speaking the truth?

You know how I always go on about reading the bible, even when you don’t feel like it? Well, I think I read something Paul said, back in the book of Roman, in chapter 12, verse 2, that must have sustained him in the darkest of days,

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

In every single thing I’ve read from Paul’s writings, his strength and tenacity for sharing the Gospel, as well as, basic Christian living, are unprecedented! The man simply WOULD NOT quit, or even back away from the truth, often being persecuted for it!

There were many times where he had no one there to wax poetic about God’s faithfulness, so what gives? I believe that it was through scripture, as well as prayer, Paul gained his sustenance, and the resolve to keep speaking the Gospel.

Since I greatly respect the man, I can easily take his word for how to push forward, and continue steadily fighting the good fight!

That’s my story… and I’m sticking to it!

Have a spectacular sunny summer day, everyone… hugs!