I know whom I have believed

As Christians, it's important to understand the impact of Apostle Paul's prison experience on our faith. According to commentaries, Apostle Paul was under arrest for approximately 5 years. He spent 2.5 years in a literal prison cell and the other 2.5 years under house arrest or being escorted by Roman soldiers.

Despite the lack of physical freedom, Apostle Paul wrote more than half of the New Testament during this time. This is a testament to the strength of his faith and commitment to spreading the message of Jesus.

Have you ever felt like you have been assigned a task by the Holy Spirit to do a particular thing for God? Maybe you have a call on your life, but you feel limited in your ability to carry it out. Perhaps you wish you had more space, chance, or time to fulfill your purpose.

Apostle Paul's words in 2 Timothy 1:11-12 offer hope and encouragement in these situations.

2 Timothy 1:11-12 (NLT)

11 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

12 That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

In these verses, he declares his confidence in God's calling and reveals that he is not ashamed of his suffering because he knows the one in whom he trusts. He also says that God is able to guard what he has entrusted to him until the day of his return.

This is a declaration for anyone who has started a project but has been unable to complete it for one reason or another. It's also for those who are clear about what the Lord expects from them but are unable to fulfill their purpose due to present circumstances. It's a declaration for anyone who has started something but stops frequently due to a lack of funding.

Just like a tree that may seem dead, at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth branches.

Job 14:7-9 (NKJV) 7 “For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And that its tender shoots will not cease. 8 Though its root may grow old in the earth, And its stump may die in the ground, 9 Yet at the scent of water it will bud And bring forth branches like a plant.

The Bible did not just say it will bud and grow, but that it will bud and bring forth branches. At the scent of water, your struggling aspirations will bud and bring forth branches in the name of Jesus.

In conclusion, remember that nothing must die in your hands. You can have confidence in the one whom you trust to guard your purpose and vision until it's fully realized. Just like a tree, at the scent of water, it will bud and bring forth branches. Trust in God to bring life to your vision."

Join me and let us pray.