“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Tim. 1:12).
This is one of my favorite verses. It gives a powerful anchor of hope.
Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison, knowing his time on earth was short. He had suffered for the gospel, been abandoned by many, and was facing death. Yet he was not ashamed. His confidence was not in his circumstances, his strength, or even his years of service. His confidence was in a Person.
Paul did not say, “I know what I have believed.” He said, “I know whom I have believed.” That makes all the difference.
His faith was not built on an idea, a system, or a feeling. It was built on Jesus Christ. Paul knew the One who had saved him, called him, sustained him, and would keep him until the end. That is why he could face prison, betrayal, hardship, and even death with assurance.
The phrase “that which I have committed unto him” speaks of complete trust. Paul had entrusted his life, his soul, his calling, his labor, and his future into the hands of the Lord. He was fully persuaded that Christ was able to keep what had been committed to Him.
That is a great place to be.
There are many things in this life we cannot control. We cannot control every circumstance, every trial, every disappointment, or every decision others make. But we can know the One in whom we have believed. We can trust Him with our souls. We can trust Him with our families. We can trust Him with our ministries. We can trust Him with today, tomorrow, and eternity.
When anxieties rise, we need to fix our eyes on the unchanging Savior. When the world seems uncertain, we need to remember that our security is not in this world. It is in Christ. The One who saved us is able to keep us.
Paul’s confidence should encourage every believer to stand unashamed of the gospel and faithful to the calling God has given us. Enduring faith is built on a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
If you know whom you have believed, and if you are persuaded that He is able to keep what you have committed to Him, then you are in a great place to be.
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “Since starting Ebenezer, we have made it a priority to keep the churches that faithfully support us informed about what God is doing through this ministry. Each week, as I sit down to write this report, I ask myself one simple question: What has God done at Ebenezer this week? Looking back and seeing His hand at work always gives me reasons to rejoice and share how He continues to build His church.
“This week marked an important step for our congregation. Ebenezer assumed responsibility for cleaning and helping maintain our meeting facility in Chenal. On Saturday, we held a church-wide deep cleaning day. Although we did not accomplish everything we hoped to, it was a blessing to see our church family serving side by side with joy and a willing spirit. One of our goals is to cultivate a heart of service, both within the church and throughout our community.
“On Sunday, we celebrated Father’s Day. The ladies led the worship service, and I had the privilege of preaching a message on Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. We were encouraged by good attendance, enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship, shared a meal together, celebrated Yeissys’ birthday, and watched a FIFA World Cup match.
“Please pray for a special outreach opportunity. Soccer is a significant part of Hispanic culture, and we would like to use the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup to build relationships and share the gospel. We are exploring the possibility of hosting a community watch party for the championship match, though we have not yet secured a suitable location. We trust that the Lord will open the right door at the right time.
“Thank you for your faithful prayers and support. To God be all the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel for Father’s Day and the first day of summer! Our numbers were still a little down, but we had a great time of worship and welcomed three first-time visitors as we celebrated and honored the fathers in our service, especially our Father in Heaven.
“The transition from mission to church is a new step for us on this journey. Please pray that the Lord will lead and guide us in His will as we make this transition, and that, every step of the way, we will remember our first love and our true mission — to make everything we do about Jesus, not ourselves, and to be witnesses of Him in this community.
“We thank you again for your prayers and support, and we thank God for you all.”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “What a wonderful Father’s Day at Faith Journey! A few weeks ago, while sharing the gospel in the community, I met a man with an incredible testimony of God’s transforming grace. He shared his life story and his struggle with addiction, to the point that he was close to losing his family, his life, and his freedom. Then he gave his life to Christ, and the Lord transformed him and his family.
“I invited him to share his story on Father’s Day, and it was a tremendous blessing to our church as he spoke about becoming the spiritual leader of his family.
“Our children honored their fathers with a special gift they made in Sunday school, and we enjoyed strong attendance at both services. On Sunday evening, we studied the importance of mentorship, encouraging one another, and reaching our community for Christ. The fellowship was so sweet that many families stayed long after the service, enjoying time together and sharing what God is doing in their lives.
“We are grateful for all the Lord is doing and thankful for our BMA family’s faithful support. Happy Father’s Day!”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “This week, because of Father’s Day, I was able to contact several men — Ronny, Juan Carlos, Daniel, Gonzalo, and Henry — with whom I have been praying and talking. I invited them to visit us on Father’s Day, and Juan Carlos and his wife, Claudia, came.
“As the FIFA World Cup is celebrated, the ministry of Victory Beyond the Cup has provided us with kits so we can organize meetings in our homes, invite people to watch a soccer game, and share the message of Christ. I ask for your prayers so we can have a great harvest.
“Thursday, we had the connection group at Sister Iris’ house with good attendance.
“Finally, we received another diagnosis for my wife. She has degenerative osteoarthritis in a toe, and surgery has been recommended. That is why she is in so much pain when walking, so I ask you to pray for her.”
