“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. Do not blush or be ashamed then, to testify to and for our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for His sake, but [with me] take your share of the suffering [to which the preaching] of the Gospel [may expose you, and do it] in the power of God.”
2 Tim 1:7-8 (Amplified)
Apostle Paul’s charge to his protégé Timothy and in extension to us is that whatever our personal circumstances, we should testify or preach the Gospel in God’s power, for that is the only way we can be effective witnesses of Jesus Christ. This injunction is loaded with meaning and can therefore be applied to whatever situation we might find ourselves. The fact that Paul wrote this letter from prison is proof enough that the task of preaching the Gospel will not always be agreeable to some. However, one fact that comes through is that although bound by circumstances, Paul was not bowed or silenced by the difficulties and deprivation he was no doubt experiencing. On the contrary, he gained strength to carry on from God’s love and regarded difficulties as light and temporary afflictions that he had to bear for the sake of the Gospel.
The reality of serving God is that there is a time for everything. There is a time to maintain outside dominion when we can forcefully demonstrate the power of God as we take authority over and dominate our surroundings in Jesus name. However, there is also time to maintain inner dominion like Paul was doing above while incarcerated for the cause of the Gospel. It means submitting ourselves to whatever God allows, which could mean difficulties and unjust suffering for us. Whatever the situation, our lives must constantly testify to God’s goodness, for whether in weakness or strength, God is still God and He is always good. Paul and Silas understood this fact; hence their praising God in the dungeon in Philippi. God’s mighty intervention in response to their praise led to the salvation of many and this proved to be effective witnessing, which furthered the kingdom ideals they were working to realise.
Daniel’s faithfulness to God was seemingly rewarded with being condemned to be torn into pieces in the lion’s den. However, rather than moan his lot, he committed his soul to God. God went ahead of Daniel and deprived the lions of their ability to harm him. So, if going to work today seems like walking into the lion’s den because of your faith in Jesus Christ, be heartened by the fact that God is with you. He will fight your cause and go ahead of you to still the mouth of the enemy. You just concentrate on preaching the Gospel, first with your life and when opportune with your words. Remember that God’s Spirit at work in you is designed to display His power, love and capacity to think soundly. This is God’s Spirit of dominion in operation within and through you. Use it to His glory and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
Prayer:
Father, your word assures me that I shall not live in fear, but that you shall go before me and be my rear guard. I commit my life to you today in full trust that you will take care of me and cause honey to flow out of the rock of my difficulties to bring glory to your name. Thank you for the Spirit of dominion that shall lead me into victory as I start today. Your praise shall continually fill my mouth and my life shall be a praise to you in Jesus name. Amen.