Meditation: Blessing in Persistence

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Passage:
2 Timothy 1:3-6

Context:
Paul is writing a word of encouragement to his friend and young pastor Timothy.

Key Words:
Thank God, Remember, Filled with Joy, sincere Faith, keep ablaze, gift of God, power, love, sound judgment (sound mind in other translations)

Message:
God shows me that there is a blessing in persistence.  Paul is being persistent in his prayer and he is asking Timothy to be persistent in his calling.  Ministry is tough.  There are always trials that would lead one to want to give up.  There are fears within and conflicts all around (2 Corinthians 7:5).  However God reveals to Paul and Paul to Timothy, now to me and you, that God does not intend for us to live in that place of conflict and fear!  No He has given us something much greater, a "Spirit of...power, love and sound judgment.