Connected in The Word 10-6-25
Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3
In the verse above, the Greek word Paul uses at the beginning of the sentence is a compound word made up of three words – “Suffer/Bad/Together”. Paul is reminding young Timothy of a few very important things. First, as a disciple of Jesus – There will be suffering! Second, as a disciple of Jesus you are never alone in your suffering. Third, as a disciple of Jesus – You are on the winning team!
I sometimes feel a little guilt over the fact that I don’t share this message often enough with other young Christians in my life. I’ve often wondered if I have shared this message often enough with my own children. Do my own kids know that as a disciple of Jesus they will face suffering, but that they never face suffering alone and that they are on the winning team? My oldest son turns 23 today and I increasingly find myself wanting to encourage him the same way that Paul encouraged Timothy. I’m quite certain that Caleb understands the concept of “Suffering-Bad-Together” as he works as a nurse on 3rd shift in a hospital emergency room in Wisconsin. Thanks be to God for all the nurses who work while the rest of us sleep!
Honestly, I think we all need a reminder sometimes that as disciples of Jesus we will “Suffer/Bad/Together” on this side of glory. We need to remind each other that we are never alone in our suffering and that we are on the winning team. As Paul says in Romans 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” So, to all believers in Jesus – Keep fighting the good fight of faith! You are not alone as you deal with lots of bad stuff! And since God has brought a handful of nurses into my life that I know and love – Thank you for your service! You are not alone as you deal with lots of bad stuff. God is having good use of you!