The television dulled the sound of my sniffles. Everyone from school hung out at the homecoming game, but I sat on the couch, at home. A neighbor shared the gospel with me months before and I decided to follow Jesus Christ. But as I scrolled through sitcoms on homecoming night my sophomore year, I considered calling up my old friends and returning to our old habits.
But just the thought of rebellion made me nauseous. And then I realized something that surprised me. It was better to sit on my couch following Jesus, alone, than hanging out with the wrong friends. I had spent years living in rebellion and now, I wanted to live for Christ.
When Paul told his son in the faith to be strong in the grace of Jesus Christ (2Timothy 2:1), Timothy faced much more suffering than teenage loneliness. He faced persecution, conflicts within the church, and the stressful responsibility of equipping believers. I wonder what his temptations might have looked like when he felt defeated, weary, lonely. Whatever they were, Paul encouraged Timothy to remain strong in the grace of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we forget what it means to live under grace rather than the law (Romans 6:1–14). The law burdens us with unrealistic expectations and the unending anxiety of not measuring up. Grace frees us from all of that. But freedom through grace is something we have to stand in, remain in—as we endure whatever suffering we encounter (2Timothy 2:3,11–13).
So how can we follow Paul’s encouragement and “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2Timothy 2:1)? Paul gave Timothy spiritual instructions through three images that might also help us (2Timothy 2:3–7): a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer.
The soldier demonstrates our need to focus. When we keep focused on the grace of the gospel, we face our temporary suffering with strength because we know the promise we endure for—eternal life (John 17:3). The athlete metaphor is a reminder to live according to the rules of the kingdom. Sometimes when we endure opposition or trials, we are tempted to operate according to our own ideas, rather than the rules of the game. Finally, Paul encourages Timothy with the image of a farmer. Farmers rigorously till soil, plant seeds, water, and pull weeds, all examples of serving diligently.
Following Jesus is not easy—but He is worth it. And our coming reward is sure: we will live and reign with Him (2Timothy 2:11–12).
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62 thoughts on "Be Strong in Grace"
Holy Spirit help me to stay focused like a good soldier, follow the the rules of Your Kingdom like an athlete, & serve diligently like a farmer!
When I am faithless, He is faithful. Thank you Jesus.
Praying for Ella & Mom
What a difference in our life & the lives of those around us, if every morning, before our feet touched the floor, picked up our cell phone, or took the first sip of coffee, we said aloud, or softly whispered, ”Today Lord, find me useful”. Leave it to Churchmouse to serve us this fresh “fruit of the spirit”. Big thanks! And as we move through the day, let us see & spread the love light of the world. Thanks be to God!
KARIN BRIDLE and KIMBERLY ZIEHL, my heart goes out to you and your family members dealing with mental illness! Having experienced mental illness myself, I know how dark and scary it can get and I’m sure, as a family member, it can be discouraging and you can feel helpless! I know there is hope in Christ and one day every tear will be wiped away! Praying for you in the midst of the battle! For hope and for encouragement. Blessings upon each of you and your families.
Thank you, Gwineth52! I appreciate your encouragement more than you know!
AMANDA Praying each day that Christ will fill you with his Grace and Joy.
I pray that you all are getting them help. There are Christian Counselors.
Praying for you and your family
Karin, prayers sent now
Thank you JESUS for the grace that you have given us, each and every day
Thanks for reading my comment and your encouragement :)
Thank you so much. I’m so Blessed to have SRT and sisters in Christ like you. I will keep you and your father in my prayers too.
Dear She, K Swenson. Ah, the big “D”. Stands for Depression…and the Devil. Ah, my sister, I know them well. They lock hands. They can choke & convince us how unworthy & irredeemable we are. Let us lock arms in willful defiance each day. Through painfully honest prayer, praise & petition. Through immersion in scripture. Through the love of those who would never betray our vulnerability. (One She said last week…”Our emotions are not the true indicators of truth; only the Word of God”.) Suffering, yet filled with the Spirit. Fighting, yet faithful. May our good & gracious Lord lead you to a “sound” counselor & “trustworthy” medication. As Jennifer Loves Jesus said this morning, “The enemy is relentless. Remember the resurrection”. Because our be-ing-ness belongs to Him. Thanks be to God!
I’m praying for you as I sit in the hospital with my dad who attempted to commit suicide. While he did not succeed he will have a long road of physical recovery to his but also emotional. I pray she finds healing and knows how loved she is not only by her family but by our savior. Depression is just as much of an illness as any other disease. I pray for your family during this time as well that you can feel comforted by Jesus as well. This battle, while it is unfortunate, you were made for. God knew each of you could take on this battle and hopefully one day you’ll be able to help somebody else get through it.
I just got off the phone with my daughter and my 17 year old granddaughter is in the hospital due to suicidal thought ( very vivid ones like smashing her car or hanging herself in the woods) It came out that she has been smoking pot but who knows what else. Apparently she hears voices and they are telling her to do these things. Ella was baptized about 3 years ago ( she wanted to) so I know she loves The Lord and he will not let her go but my daughter is beside herself and blaming herself. Ella has an older and a younger sister.Please pray for Ella that she can get back on track and pray for my daughter and her family to know God’s peace .
Thank you.
I just got off the phone with my daughter and my 17 year old granddaughter is in the hospital due to suicidal thought ( very vivid ones like smashing her car or hanging herself in the woods) It came out that she has been smoking pot but who knows what else. Apparently she hears voices and they are telling her to do these things. Ella was baptized about 3 years ago ( she wanted to) so I know she loves The Lord and he will not let her go but my daughter is beside herself and blaming herself. Ella has an older and a younger sister.Please pray for Ella that she can get back on track and pray for my daughter and her family to know God’s peace .
Suffering has a purpose——Grace ….Be strong in Grace that is in Jesus!
Today as I’m reading my morning SRT, my husband sits beside me on the couch as he usually does on his 3 mornings off work. He likes to scroll the news and fb, but today I see he pulls up HRT and reads! ( I often nag him about how important it is to be in the Word if you are a believer!) Anyway…It just made my heart melt!
Example Matters. I have said before that I started reading my bible daily after my mom passed in 2014 because I had seen her read daily. I have prayed for the Spirit to come alive in my husband to renew his vigor since last Fall and slowly have seen just that! So be encouraged sisters that people and family do see you and are watching your example.
I pray @GramsieSue that you will have PLENTY of opportunities to share the miracle of Steve’s cancer disappearance! What a joyous miracle! God is on the Move, Hallejuh! Also praying for the other request! I come boldly before God today to ask that my example keeps reflecting Christ to my family! There seems such urgency in my heart with the rapid decline of values and morals. I hope in even the little things such as saying grace before eating, or turning off the t.v. junk, or giving a helping hand when needed or saying a nice word to a stranger can impact those around me/us.
@Churchmouse, I remember you telling us about your sister a long while back, and then that first get together with her after a long estrangement- so I’m happy that you are still trying to mend the relationship! My sister and I are super close but have totally different “religious” doctrines we believe in which is oftentimes challenging! I hate to ignore the subject but find it hard to navigate.
I am missing seeing @Sarajoy’s name and comments!
Aso, the podcast today for the week is SO good, give it a listen!
@Amanda Noble- praying for God’s strength and comfort to you during this time. May He carry you and your daughter, chicken and all that belongs to you shall be kept in tact. May a home be provided and all your needs be met.
@Gramsiesue- praying for you and Steve. May the business trip ahead bring much glory to God. Thank you for sharing your encouragement. Rejoicing with you.
@Michelle- praying for Tiff and Bernadette and @K Swenson- may every mental depression and illnesses be uprooted completely and the Spirit of Joy/strength from the Lord to come and overfill you. May God deliver you mightily and bless you with a sound mind and no more depression.
Such a fully packed reading today. The part that gripped my attention was “he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” (1 Peter 4:1). I used to be on the search for the reason of God’s allowing extreme pain and suffering, and ah there it is again. This brought to my memory another solution that says, the fear of the Lord keeps us from sinning. This is a much nicer way. I pray for the fear of the Lord to be deposited in our hearts that we will be kept from sinning against Him rather than paying the consequences of sinning. I am so reminded that I am a soldier for God implying state of war we are in (wondering the extent of endurance a Ukrainian soldier must go through), an athlete (who suffers much injuries, pain, ice baths, years of practice) and a farmer (whose days start at 4am, enduring back breaking labour, weather, rain or shine, long wait time for a harvest). All for Jesus. In all these things yet we are more than conquerors through Jesus. To God be the glory.
May I share the lyrics of the song, Prayer for Grace”, by Morgan Harper Nichols.
If I could make just one request
That would mark all the days I have left
I’d rather not be known for treasures and fame
Or trophies that I know will fade
Instead I would rather be known
By the kindness and love that I show
To be known for patience and long-suffering
A giver of life by the words that I speak
Chorus
So with every breath You give to breathe
I praise your glory that they see
Of all the words the world could say
May they say I was full of grace
All be the first to confess
I’m not always found at my best
But the Lord be my strength in those moments I’m weak
And I’ll keep on giving the grace I’ve received
Chorus
And Finally then I see Your face
And I reached the end of my race
I don’t want to be known for finishing strong
But as someone who carried Your grace all along
Lifting all those prayers requested here and in hearts.
Praying for all prayer requests. JENNIFER LOVES JESUS your comment is right on with the way the world is heading.
I have been struggling this morning with a very good friend. She recently said some pretty hurtful things. I keep thinking should I call so and so and talk about it. After reading todays devotional and God’s Word, I realize this is all part of what we endure as a Christian. Following Jesus is not easy, but worth it. I have brought it to God in prayer. I will keep my focus on the grace of the gospel. And live according to the rules of the kingdom. I will pray for focus, determination, strength, courage, and commitment.
Hello SRT sisters! I’m asking for prayer today. I’ve lived with treatment resistant depression daily for about 3 years now and am just starting a new treatment. I’ve not noticed a difference yet and it’s been a few weeks. I’m praying this medicine is effective, but mostly that I would be made well in the way the Lord designed and that I would suffer well. May God grant us strength as we walk this often tough road of obedience! Thank you for your prayers and I too am lifting many of you up in prayer today.
AMANDA NOBLE- I’m SO sorry to hear of the loss of your best friend and all the grief you are having to experience in addition to his loss because of insensitive family members. Praying for blessing, provision, and that God would show you how to grieve well in this season!
WOW!!! WOW!!! Today’s scriptures and devotional really pack a lot into them. I don’t know which scripture I got more out of 2 Timothy or Romans then some of what Seana said really has me thinking. So in the middle of July I’m helping a friend with a Christian camp, I’m going to be a nurse/counselor. I noticed on one of my continuing ed websites they had a course about camp nursing. I decided to listen to it. OMG!!! I didn’t know how advanced it has become and now I wonder if I might want to even explore this. Sisters please continue to pray for me as I try to figure out what God has planned for me as my next avenue in life.
Be blessed and celebrate the grace God, Christ and the Holy Spirit has given us.
Love this @GRAMSIESUE!
Amanda, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing someone is never easy and sadly death can bring out some of the ugliest things in people. I will pray for strength, courage and peace as you navigate this time. God is on your side and he will protect you.
Grammiesue, I love hearing Steve updates and I am so glad to hear he is doing well. Praying that those business meetings go well, the owners hearts are softened, ready to recieve the gospel.
Lynne- continued prayers for you and your husband as he recovers from his surgery.
I have a prayer request as well: I left my full time job on Friday to fully commit to the business I started. I didn’t realize how much I’d grieve leaving my old job. I was there for 8 years and will miss seeing the people everyday. I woke up a little shell shocked today not having a job to go to…well I do, it’s just me now. A lot of adjustment and change right now.
Thank you She’s; Happy Monday!
His goodness is so refreshing to our souls. Truly what we need. Be refreshed today friends. He’s got us
“No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” 2 Timothy 2:4 How often do we let ourselves get “entangled” in the things of this world, instead of that which will truly make a difference for the kingdom? I know I am guilty if it! I am enlisted in God’s army – not the worlds — I need to keep focused & remember Who I am fighting for! Praying fo get all your requests have a blessed day!
2 Timothy 2:13 “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.” So good!
Praying for all of the requests shared recently. As I read all of your stories and requests, I am reminded of 2 Timothy 2:3-4 which stood out to me today: “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer.” I am comforted knowing that we never have to suffer alone; Jesus is with us, always. And He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Praying for all of you warriorettes in Christ, may you be protected, safe, healthy, emotionally & mentally strong, and courageous this week.
Ladies, I just wanted to share with you what an encouragement you have all been to me over the years. Steve is really doing well at this time (remission) and we are on a business trip with business owners we have been meeting with for 20+ years. Some are strong Christians, some are Jews, others…I just don’t know. But because of Steve’s cancer diagnosis we now have an opportunity to share about God’s provision, goodness, care, love, strength…so I pray that their hearts will be softened and ready to receive the gospel. I don’t want to miss this opportunity…it may be for this that Steve was spared! But my point is, I am more bold to share because of the ways you ladies have shared! So never stop sharing, and being a blessing to others. I am in tears as I type this…what a great and powerful God we serve. Hugs to each of you. ❤️
I have been praying for you and your husband, Sandi, and will continue prayers that the doctors can remove the cancer, reconstruct his leg, and get him pain free. A hard road to travel. Praying for strength for you as well. ❤️
AMANDA, “My grace is sufficient for you my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ then I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecution, and calamities. For when I am weak then I am strong.” 2nd Corinthians 12:9-10. Sending prayers of power!
Thank you!
Amanda, my heart aches for you, and I pray for God to cover you in His Word. I’ve faced devastating loss as well, and I found help when I reached out to others. Be safe and be strengthened through Christ Jesus.
Thank you!
Amanda, what a hard scary place to be. I will definitely keep you are your daughter (and chickens) in prayer.
Thank you!
Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Jude v24-25) ❣️
It is not easy being a soldier, an athlete or a farmer. Tough careers requiring much focus, determination, strength, courage and commitment. We, as disciples of Jesus, are called to cultivate the same. Help us, Lord Jesus. Find us faithful. Amen.
Such a great devotion today
I lost my best friend almost a week ago. 44 to a massive heart attack. We lived on the same property, separate houses, co-parented, made family decisions, worked 3 acres, and I just watched part of his family behave like complete vultures. I’m looking at homelessness because the property was in his name, giving up our 24’x24′, our 63 chickens, our goals and dreams. Everyone says its like I’ve lost my husband, we just didn’t have a romantic love. I am hurting and am angry at the behavior or others to whom I have no control. But the verse today that stuck out was “share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian persuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” I know that God will provide for my daughter and I. I know that we will be protected. And I need to remember that I can rest in that protection and provision. I want to remember my best friend, my brother in Christ, not get entangled in “what are you going to do, where are you going to live.” Today I remember God’s got this, and my job is to show grace, and self control (my temper) being a light to even the ugly family members. Yall please keep us in yalls prayers.
God’s got it!! Condolences to you in the loss of your friend❤
Lifting up the prayer requests and that the Lord would strengthen each of us to be strong in our salvation, despite whatever suffering we may be walking through. I hope everyone has a blessed week <3
New morning, new grace. I am strengthened in Christ. “Endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ” (2 Tim 2:3). “Be strengthened by (His) grace” (v1). The enemy is relentless. Remember the resurrection. This is where the power of victory arms me for battle. Light affliction now, eternal weight of glory to come. If I endure with Jesus, I will reign with Him (v12). We face many hard things right now- inflation, food and supply shortages, moral failure, godlessness pushed through media, wars, rumors of war, yet Jesus spoke about all of it. No surprise. Our American way of life has been altered and what once was freedom looks more like enemy gates closing in around us. “But the word of God is not bound” (v9). Jesus remains faithful and true. Joy unstoppable. I am strengthened in His grace. Until… Maranatha.
Good morning. I’d like to request prayers for my husband. He is having a pretty significant surgery on Wednesday to help remove cancer from his leg and ‘reconstruct’ it, so he can have less pain and get mobile again. Thank you.
Hey all. Asking for prayer today. Both my very good friend Tiffany and youngest sister Bernadette are struggling physically and mentally. They both take depression meds, don’t eat enough, and now feel nauseous when they eat because they haven’t been eating enough and are on a high dose of medicine.
It breaks my heart. I’m not anti-pill, but I really have a hard time seeing people use these strong medications and not be helped properly. As a teenager and college age person, I sought help for depression and an eating disorder and pills actually hurt me more than helped me. Maybe that’s not the case for everyone… But now I’m seeing this pattern in my loved ones and I feel helpless.
My friend Tiff actually told me she knows she needs help but the pills are making it worse, not helping.
So just seeking some prayer… It hurts me to have walked through this too and not be someone that can practically help them. My friend Tiffany is not a believer and has struggled as long as I’ve known her to take care of herself (she had absentee parents). And my sister Bernadette is a homebody and isn’t taking care of herself the way she needs to— good food and exercise.
I believe what healed my depression and continues to is the hope of the gospel– and a deeper knowledge of God’s love for me. I no longer live under a cloud because I truly believe God loves me and has a purpose for me. I think my sister and friend struggle to know Jesus in that way, so my prayer is also for their salvation.
Thanks <3
Praying!!!!
Churchmouse, I am keeping both you and your sister in prayer. God can change her heart as you minister to her in word and deed. Hallelujah!
❤️
Amen!
Good morning!! Going through a sticky situation and praying I’m a good example of Jesus to my kids. I have let bitterness take root and I need to pull the sin(weed) from it root. Also continue praying for my healing. Thank you I love reading the comments of Gods goodness and faithfulness
Soldier athlete farmer
@Searching Amen and in agreement. May God, in His mercy, draw them by any means necessary. May He let them see the depths of their sin and their need for a Savior. May they all respond in true repentance and be saved! May their minds be continually renewed and may their desires change to what is pleasing to God. May they hate what God hates and love what He loves. I pray that those in leadership and government(and actually all of us) would care more about what God thinks and that laws, statutes, and what’s acceptable, and how we live would be changed and based on God’s Word. May we/they live a life that remembers and is in awe of Jesus and His life and sacrifice. May we/they be humble and grateful everyday and live in fear ( the good type of fear) reverence of God. Amen!
Prayers for you all today!
LYNNE FROM ALABAMA – thank you for the update! Continuing to pray for you both.
“But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness.” Rom 6:13
When I am totally surrendered to Christ, I am a weapon of righteousness. My life, in Christ, slashes through the evil in this world.
Happy Monday❣
Praying for that strength – to be strong in His grace.
Praying for yesterday’s requests, for the saving grace of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ to reach the hearts of those we love, those that are near and dear to our hearts, and to any that are lost wherever they are.
TRICIA CAVANAUGH – thank you for sharing the link to your testimony!
Good morning, She’s! Thank each and every one of you who has prayed for my husband Jack! He continues to recover from the two major surgeries he had only one week apart. He has a CT scan and oncologist appointment tomorrow. Your continued prayers are much appreciated! I am praying for each of you and for your prayer needs!
Amen! ❤️