Reading in 2 Timothy today and I have heard many preachers preach on the topic of Paul encouraging a young preacher. I want to take a look at how Paul did this. It is easy to conclude that Timothy must have been very discouraged and even to the point of possibly expressing he'd like to quit because of how Paul tells him to keep going and reminds him again and again of what he had already learned. He starts off by telling Timothy that Paul prays for him night and day. What a great example to us! One of the most encouraging things to hear is that someone is truly praying for you earnestly. Even before telling him he's praying for him, he calls him a beloved son. Now, Timothy wasn't his biological son but someone Paul had lead to the Lord and discipled himself. This is also an encouragement....everyone likes to hear they are cared for. Paul goes onto to say that he wants to see him and that he knows and understands that he is hurting. --something else we all need to hear. When we are hurting, it goes a long way to us feeling better when we feel understood, even if the problem hasn't been solved. Feeling understood gives validity to our emotions and hurt.
Paul also reminds Timothy of the long line of committed faith in his family from his grandmother, to his mother, down to him. I know that this is a tactic I use to encourage family members (cousins, sisters, my own children and even myself) to keep going. I come from a family of survivors and strong fighters to never give up in life. Sometimes you just need reminded.
Paul goes on to say that he reminds Timothy to keep the things and gifts of God stirred up in his mind and that fear doesn't come from God but power, love and a sound mind does!
Reading this chapter tells me that Timothy was struggling with fear and being ashamed of speaking and witnessing for the Lord. Paul tells him not to be ashamed of the Lord or of Paul being in prison. He encourages him to even take part in the afflictions that are coming and to remember that God has a purpose. He also tells him later in the chapter to hold fast to the things he has been taught.
What a great example for us to follow in Paul! Everything Paul said to Timothy is what we should do for those hurting and struggling around us. --Especially those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul wrote it in a letter because he was in prison and couldn't see him in person. I almost think that's better...Timothy had it to read again and again whenever he got discouraged later. He had Paul's words championing him onward!
Like I said, I've heard many preachers talk about Paul's encouraging Timothy to keep the faith but today I realized that Paul did much more than that! He comforted him from every aspect to get to his heart and mind. It wasn't just a charge to keep going. It was full of reminders that would strengthen Timothy wholly. That is what counseling is all about.
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