"The First Drop of Blood"

 

2nd.Timothy 2:1-3 " Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in CHRIST JESUS. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful me, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST."

     Dr. David Livingstone was a Scottish missionary and physician known for his exploration of Africa during the mid-nineteenth century. He once said, "If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all" (Quote pictured at top of post). A similar sentiment came from the lips of Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth President of the United States. He used to remark that he could get any amount of men who were "willing to shed their last drop of blood"; however, he found it difficult to get some men to shed their first drop.

     In today's text, the Apostle Paul told young Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in CHRIST JESUS" and to "endure hardness, as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST." To the believers in Ephesus, his words were fraught with meaning where he challenged them to "be strong in the LORD, and in the power of HIS might" (Ephesians 6:10 pictured above). He went on to further exhort, "Put on the whole armour of GOD" (Ephesians 611 pictured above). I have a friend who often says, "Growing old is not for sissies." Well, the Christian life is not for sissies either ! In the midst of a trial involving a physical infirmity, Paul received the LORD's reminder that HIS grace is what would lift him up and sustain him (2nd.Corinthians 12:7-10). The Apostle did not depend upon his own strength or abilities, and to the believers in Philippi, Paul said, "I can do all things through CHRIST which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). No, the Christian life was never promised to be an easy life. Trials, troubles, and struggles will come, but the LORD will supply the necessary strength, wisdom, grace, and patience. Heed Paul's challenge to "quit you like men, be strong" (1st.Corinthians 16:13 pictured above).JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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