v 12 That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.
Paul’s readiness to speak up for Jesus took him into many tight spots; just remember he was writing this letter from prison. Can you recall the various times he was arrested or imprisoned because of his faithfulness in speaking up about Jesus? (If you’re not sure, try finding out some details as an exercise for this week.)
Then ask yourself this question ‘What on earth kept Paul going; where did he find the courage and sheer determination to persevere with such a hazardous task? Well, here he explains the source and nature of his convictions. He had a personal experience of knowing Jesus and he fully trusted Jesus to sustain him. Just look at the convictions behind his statement ‘I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him.‘ It wasn’t just a question of knowing ‘about’ Jesus; he enjoyed a confident relationship with Him. And he knew that such a relationship would be secure right through to Jesus’ return in glory. Some of us older ones perhaps used to sing the chorus,
I know not why God’s wondrous grace to me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love redeemed me for His own.
But “I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.”
Paul breathed an air of unshakeable confidence in God; and the more you get to know Jesus the more sturdy and confident you will grow in speaking up for Him – and HE WILL sustain you as a member of His family.
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