Daily devotional · April 25
The Faithful One
“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel, for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained! For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”
Paul writes from prison, yet he says the word of God is not chained. He reminds Timothy to remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead. Then he quotes what seems to be an early hymn: if we die with him we will live with him, if we endure we will reign with him. The last line is deeply comforting: even if we are faithless, he remains faithful, because he cannot deny himself. Our weak moments do not change his character. That does not excuse carelessness, but it does relieve the fear that one failure ends everything. Today, when you feel inconsistent in your walk with God, rest in his faithfulness. Then choose one act of endurance: keep a commitment, finish a task well, or stay kind in a trying situation. Let his steadiness make yours possible.
Prayer
Faithful God, when I fail, You remain true. Help me endure with Your strength. Amen.