It is interesting Paul's chose of words to Timothy as his ministry days are coming to a close, and Timothy's are just beginning..."suffer with me." Jesus had no less encouraging words for Peter in the Book of John as He described to Peter the type of death he would face as a disciple of Christ.
However, as good soldiers, we will be challenged by hardships and experience suffereing in various degrees. The question is, as a good soldier, will we engage or retreat? Ministry is not always glamorous and running smoothly, but will get messy and difficult a lot of the time.
But Paul's words to Timothy are not all doom and gloom. He also says, "be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." This is the crux of ministry. Not only do we minister because of Jesus, we minister dependent upon His strength alone as well. This is the secret to successful ministry...abiding in God through His Word, prayer and godly fellowship, so that we may have the grace to live and serve our King.
As BUMP leaders, nothing can be more vital than instructing and modeling Paul's secret to ministry to our youth.
" because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia." 1 Thess 1:5-7
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