Life is challenging to say the least. Our courage and even our faith can be rocked when we or those we love are called to suffer for the gospel. However, our confidence in Jesus can serve as a mighty stalwart aiding us whenever struggles come calling. The Apostle Paul confronts this issue in 2 Timothy, beginning with the young evangelist’s roots.

For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,  -2 Timothy 1:5-8

When it came to Jesus, Lois and Eunice were apparently confident and convinced. After all, they passed their faith down to Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy to have this same confidence and faithful conviction by telling him that God has not given His people a spirit of timidity. Paul uses the word δειλια (deilia) which can also be translated “cowardice.” God has not made us cowards, but given us a bold, powerful Spirit to help Christians deal with whatever suffering and challenges surface.

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel…For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. -2 Timothy 1:9-10, 12

Paul’s confidence is based on who God is and what He accomplished through Jesus, not on his own ability or standing. After all, he is in a Roman prison as he writes this! For His own purpose, God has granted us grace; His Son has abolished death, illuminated life and offered immortality. Paul wants Timothy to know his confidence is based on Jesus and His competency to safeguard what Paul has entrusted to Him.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).  He has not changed since Paul declared confidence in His power and ability. Christians today have the same Spirit of power lodging inside them. We are capable of standing firm in our faith through sufferings and challenges as long as Jesus is the stalwart we are holding on to.