Paul’s Gratitude

Written By Betty Predmore

2 TIMOTHY 1: 1-18

(October 22)

It is A.D. 66/67 and there is great persecution going on towards the Christians. Emperor Nero has decided to pass the blame for the great Roman fire onto them, and they are suffering greatly ... ostracized, tortured publicly, and murdered.

Paul finds himself imprisoned again. This time, he is not held captive in a house where he can continue his teaching. Now he is living in a dark, cold dungeon, knowing he is facing his final days.

If you knew you were living your last days, and death was so close it hovered around you like a dark cloud, who would you write your last letter to?

For Paul, the answer was obvious. He wrote his final letter to Timothy, the young man who had been like a son to him, the person he had taught, shaped, and molded to be a teacher of the Good News.

He tells Timothy how thankful he is for him, how much he misses him, and how joyful it will be when they are together again. As Paul knows he is about to die, we can assume he is speaking of their reunion in heaven.

Paul is proud of the faith that Timothy has and urges him to use it boldly to spread the gospel, never being ashamed. He doesn't want Timothy to be fearful of what might happen if he is persecuted, but to use the strength of the Lord to endure whatever comes his way.

Paul is not ashamed of his own suffering. His trust is in Jesus, and he knows his work will not be in vain. Timothy needs to have that same trust and let the Holy Spirit guard the truth he has been trusted with, never letting any false teacher sway him away from what Paul has taught him.

His last words are to the one who has been so dear to him, the one he has shared joy, tears, and sorrow with. Timothy is Paul's legacy, continuing on the great works Paul originated for the sake of the gospel.

In his final days, Paul is filled with gratitude for the opportunity to pass on what he knows and have Timothy carry on the work of the Lord.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


Previous

Hidden Out of Sight
Next

Who’s On First?