It has been one of those days. And now that I finally have time to sit down, God has this for me:

So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And what you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well.  Bear your share of hardship along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  To satisfy the one who recruited him, a soldier does not become entangled in the business affairs of life.  Similarly, an athlete cannot receive the winner’s crown except by competing according to the rules.  The hardworking farmer ought to have the first share of the crop.  Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.  Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.  This saying is trustworthy:

If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us.  If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.

2 Timothy 2:1-13

The first sentence is so renewing! “So, you my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”  Not so thrilled about the idea of “Bear your share of hardship…”, but it is a good reminder that we all have hardship.  And our hardship is nothing compared to that suffered by Jesus for us.  And nothing compared to that suffered by God, who sent his only son to endure that suffering so that we could be free, so that we could come to know Him and overcome our sin.  No matter how hard life gets, how many disappointments we face, how many changes, uncertainties and challenges we endure, we always have hope in front of us.  The hope of joining Jesus Christ.  “If we have died with him we shall also live with him: if we persevere we shall also reign with him.”  I pray that we can all persevere, that no matter how dark the night seems, we can remember the sun that God provides each morning and the Son that God provides for our ultimate awakening on our final morning.  “So, you my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

God,

You are amazing!  Thank you for the grace that you provide!  Help me to bear my share of hardship so that I can be a proper witness to you.  I am sorry for the times that I have denied you by my words or actions.  Thank you for sending your son for us.  Thank you for taking the pain from our rejection, but continuing to love us.  I love you!