Keep Your Head

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministries…At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me…But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength…And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly home…” 2 Tim 4:5, 14, 17-18

I love the advice to Timothy in Paul’s letter to him. He basically confirmed that hardship is a definite and endurance is required. He also encouraged him to stay focused on the important things of Christ. He warned him that betrayal, loneliness and isolation would most likely be experienced. He continued with the proclamation that when he was at his lowest the Lord stood right next to him protecting, enabling and sustaining him. He recited past times when God was faithful in bringing him through difficult and challenging times. He stated his absolute belief in the Savior’s continued rescues in every situation as long as he walked this earth.

When our faith is losing its pulse, we must endure. We must not allow the challenges of our circumstances to overtake and disorient our faith. Timothy was a powerful leader in bringing those to Christ yet still needed constant assurance from his spiritual mentor. We are all so blessed that our spiritual Mentor established a library of books on every topic guiding and teaching us as we walk our paths in this challenging world. His words are old to the world but His messages are new to the heart. His teachings are general but the applications are individual. His Lordship is everywhere but His presence is personal.

Endurance and patience is certainly required to advance through adversity but we have the guarantee of a Savior to deliver, rescue and restore.

Better to keep your head in all situations than to lose your mind!