Fully Persuaded

2 Timothy 1:12 - For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

What things do you and I suffer as believers? We don’t have to suffer anything Jesus redeemed us from, such as the effects of sin, sickness and disease, poverty and lack. But all those who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (II Timothy 3:12). So, persecution will come because of our stand for Christ. When we go through it, the light affliction of suffering produces an eternal weight of glory (II Corinthians 4:17).

What are we to be able to say with Paul? I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). What does it mean to be ashamed? To be embarrassed. In other words, we don’t hide that we are Christians. It is out in front of our lives, even if someone persecutes us for a stand we take because of what God has said about it. We will take that stand and not be ashamed.

Knowing what you believe in is important, but knowing who you believe in is more important. It is not until you personally count God faithful that you will be able to receive all the Lord has for you. When you know God, you will know His character and His faithfulness to fulfill His Word.

Abraham was fully persuaded that what God had promised him He was able to do (Romans 4:21). Are you fully convinced, or are you just partially convinced or persuaded? All kinds of things try to persuade us, such as circumstances and what other people have to say about it. The only thing that should persuade us is the report of the Lord.

Paul tells us that he has made a true commitment to the Lord, and he is sure that God will honor that commitment. That Day could mean the day I meet Jesus at the judgment seat of Christ. Jesus is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. He who began a good work in us will also complete it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).