Trusting God with what He entrusts to me

As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:4–14)

We just finished a weekend of celebrating my hubby’s birthday with our three adult children at an incredible location. They sacrificed time and money to make it a wonderful time with a large amount of laughter. 

This passage made me wonder if I taught them enough or did all that I should have done as a Christian mother, yet it does have an encouraging word for that concern. Paul points to Jesus: “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. . . . for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” 

God gave me motherhood, and He gives me additional tasks, not “because of my works but because of His own purpose and grace” and I know that “He is able to guard…that which has been entrusted to me.”

In other words, their faith life, maturity included, is in His hands. It always has been, from and even before they were born. While other parents look for church attendance or other Christian actions, I see in them the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, even self-control. They do not practice some spiritual disciplines like others, yet I see an attitude toward life and lack of fear that many do not have, and a loving care for people that is even rarer.

This displays what I want to see but it is not up to me. God is taking care of what I was entrusted with. This is an example of His sovereignty that assures His people that no matter what is going on, He is still in charge, still God, and still working out His plan. It may not look like it at times, but His ways are not my ways. 

Paul knew that and told Timothy that he could share in suffering, whatever kind of suffering he might experience, because of the power of God. His mom shared her faith with him and that meant he was now under the plan and care of God, no matter what happened in his life. 

Lord Jesus, I’d like to see ‘heaven on earth’ at times, but that is not Your plan for most of us. I need the trials to not only test my faith, but develop it and guard all that You have entrusted to me. Some need to see my example. Some need to know that You use all things for good. Whatever You allow in my life has value — not just to keep my heart in the right place, but so I can say to others that I am convinced You are guarding all that has been entrusted to me and that I am able to entrust back to You.