via TJC
Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus.
—2 Timothy 4:20
Have you ever been a witness to the suffering (physical, career, mental, reputational, or otherwise) of a friend, family member, or acquaintance? Of course. We all have. But, here is my real question… Did their spiritual status make a difference in how they dealt with it? More pointedly, are we as Kingdom Men following the path we should follow in troubled times, both inside & outside the church?
So who was this Trophimus? Why did Paul, the man who had believed God to heal so many, (l Cor. 12) leave him behind, sick? Could it be God’s will that this Ephesian Christian remain ill? Why yes, actually. Christian, you must give up control of that aspect of your life, too. Does Scripture teach us to just give up on being healthy, wealthy, and wise? Not at all. Those are worthy goals and useful tools in service to the Lord God. But ultimately, that belongs to Him. 100%.
All throughout Scripture, and particularly in ll Timothy, we see Paul suffering an ugly human fate. In this particular case, he’s in jail. In Rome. For the second time. Awaiting execution. Beheading, no less.
So what are his concerns? What emotions does he exhibit? I’m glad you asked. He begins his letter exhorting Timothy to guard his trust. Then he moves on to encouragement (“be strong”) and more exhortation to be an unashamed workman. Then he assures Timothy difficult times will come, and it is then that he should preach the Word and look to the future for his reward.
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” —2 Timothy 4:18
Daily Battle Order
2 Things:
1. As a soldier in God’s Kingdom, you will suffer. You will not know the purpose until God is ready to reveal it to you, but it WILL be done in your long term best interest and for HIS glory. TRUST.
2. Many times, you will suffer so that others can see the difference between how it is handled by a Believer and how it is handled by a non-Believer. Kingdom Man, honor God by your spiritual character in these difficult times. PERSEVERE.
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