Paul couldn’t fit all that he wanted to say to Timothy into one letter. But before Paul starts with his second letter, he reminds Timothy of who exactly he is. In this one verse he says quite a lot.

• He is an apostle of Jesus
• God wanted it to be so
• They sent him
• To preach Jesus’ message of salvation to the world

As it says in The Living Bible:

¹From: Paul, Jesus Christ’s missionary, sent out by God to tell men and women everywhere about the eternal life He has promised them through faith in Jesus Christ.

An apostle is someone who preaches Jesus’ message on His direct instructions. I mention this specifically here where Paul himself states who he is, so that we will not take his writings lightly. Paul was appointed by Jesus according to God’s will. Therefore, you and I have no choice but to open our ears to the guidance that comes via Paul’s words. Let’s open ourselves up. Let’s hear and let’s do, as the Spirit guides us here.

Like Paul was called by Jesus, God gives each of us a special calling here on earth. Paul had a different set of gifts, amongst others writing, encouraging others, preaching the Gospel to many people, and establishing new congregations.

You have also been called by God to go and make a difference with your set of gifts. The question is whether you are as serious about it as Paul? The outcomes of Paul living his calling are clearly visible as one congregation after the other is established. Therefore, the question is: what are the outcomes of your work?

Fortunately, we don’t have to do it on our own. Because, like Paul was sent by Jesus and willed by God, the words are true for all of us who are God’s children.

This is not some minor little calling that you don’t need to attend to. No, my friend. This is a matter of life and death. Your calling has enormous power, because God the almighty is backing you. That’s why we have to take it seriously.

Therefore, it’s of crucial importance that I go and find out what calling God wants me to live. Watch out! Don’t rush over these words. Take it seriously, because the Holy and Almighty God is behind it!

But before you start worrying about failing to make a big impact in the world, we’re reassured: if you believe in Jesus, God is always with you. In bad times. In good times. God is always with you.

Yes, even if you and I mess up and even if we don’t do God’s will. Even if we don’t always know what our calling is, never mind doing it, God will never abandon us! This is exactly how God works: despite us muddling along, He showers us with his grace and says: it doesn’t matter what you do, nothing and nobody will take you from Me. Wow, thank you! Not because I say so, no, but because ¹… He has promised ...

And then I’m driven to go out in the world, driven by my gratitude to go and live my calling. Let’s take hands today and do it.

Scripture
2 Timothy 1:1-2

Reflection
What are your gifts?
What is your calling?
Are you looking for peace?

Prayer
Father, firstly I want to thank You for a person like Paul, who was called by Jesus because it was according to Your will. Thank you for this teaching for us even today. Please help me to be obedient like him and to live my calling to the full. Thank you that I can know that You will walk with me every step of the way. Amen.