2 Timothy 1:6-12

6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you
through the laying on of my hands. 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
 8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner.
But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved
us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because
of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before
the beginning of time, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing
of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and
immortality to light through the gospel. 11And of this gospel I was appointed a
herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I
am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that
he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Meditation:
1. It’s amazing what some people are willing to suffer for.  Athletes are willing
to suffer through training to receive a gold medal.  Some are willing to
suffer to reach a mountaintop.  Some are willing to suffer to obtain certain
physique.  Others sacrifice home and family to make more money on a job
that takes them constantly on the road. Some sacrifice everything at the
altar of their children. Others suffer through heartbreak after heartbreak as
they seek “the one” perfect husband/wife.
2. Paul asks us to suffer for something far more worthwhile.  The Gospel is
that amazing expression of God’s grace, revealed in Christ’s appearance,
that announces God’s victory over death and invites everyone to come to
Him for “life and immortality”.  Now that is something worth suffering for.
Besides, our times of suffering become spiritually significant when they are
induced by faithful discipleship and when we see them as opportunities to
rely on the power of God.
3. Recall one experience of suffering in the past.  Consider how God through
this suffering brought transformation to my life?  What deeper understanding
and appreciation of God have I gained from it?

Personal Note:
The most recent suffering is the lack of sleep and energy from TC.  I was physically and emotionally drained.  I was taught to rely on God alone and it takes God's strength to serve Him faithfully.