TUESDAY April 22, 2025

Trusting in the Living God

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach.
1 Timothy 4:9-11

Paul had just related to Timothy that healthy doctrine and exercise in its percepts is worthy and acceptable. Striving for excellence in living a godly life is also worthy. What about us? Are we striving for excellence by careful study of the Scriptures? When we discipline our lives this way, God can use our lives to spread the Gospel message to a world that is in spiritual darkness.

It is not easy to be a Christian. As we joyfully serve the Lord, we can also expect to suffer reproach. It is very hard when people mock, ridicule and persecute us. Place your trust fully in the living God, who is the Savior of all men. Then you will be helped and feel secure––without worry.

It is true that God has made a way for all men to be saved through Christ: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). It is such a simple message, but still many people reject it. Those who believe in Jesus and have placed their trust in Him for salvation are saved. He becomes their Savior, and they serve Him.

Listen to Paul who instructs us about what is worthy and acceptable to God in our service toward Him:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2).

Despite suffering reproaches from those who oppose your faith, continue to serve the Lord Jesus Christ with the pure motive of pleasing Him. Let everything you do be acceptable to Him. You have been chosen by God to serve Him.

To trust God in the light is nothing, but trust him in the dark––that is faith.
~C. H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!