Timothy's Letter's

I love reading the letters Paul wrote to Timothy. There is such wisdom. I recently was drawn to the following verses from 1 Timothy chapter one:

15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy because of this, so that in me, the worst [of them], Christ Jesus might demonstrate the utmost patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

These words I know speak to so many of us...

"sinners....and I am the worst of them..."

Even the purest of Christians will claim these words. Those who have found themselves in a pit, broken, or desperately at the end of ones own strength can also claim these words. Harsh words but words full of so much significance and meaning. Words that speak of eternal knowledge, spiritual enrichment and words that confirm ones confession to God. Yet there is such strength in the words that follow...

"...but I received mercy because of this"...

It is the significance of the cross and the suffering Christ took that has resulted in this unmeasurable mercy and grace. Humility come to mind here for me. His humility that has humbled me so. But it doesn't end there...

"...so that in me, the worst of them, Jesus Christ might demonstrate the utmost patience..."

Seriously, in me? In us? He loved us so much He created us in His imagine. And though we can really blow it sometimes He continues to cover us with His patience as we try to start over. But what I find even more amazing is that I, that you, the worst of sinners, can be used of God. This gives me hope! This excites my heart! This motivates me to seek Him more and to serve Him better! That I...

"...as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.."

could be an example to others. That is His plan...to use us, our ugly stories to bring others to Him. That is the kind of kingdom work I want to be more involved in. Can there be a greater joy? Can there be a greater purpose for my life than this? Do you know this kind of joy? Captivating beyond any descriptive words I can place here.

My precious Jesus, I love you. I love you for allowing me to stumble and to fail so that I could become more intimate with You. I praise you for rescuing me from my own pit of shame and despair. I thank you for the renewed life I have in you. You are the oxygen in my breath, my hearts constant desire, my security in an insecure world. May my life boldly echo...

.."now to the eternal King, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen"

Believing Him~Pamela