So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He 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.

2 Timothy 1:8, 9

I am thinking about Paul as I read this letter to young Timothy, the last letter that we have record of before Paul’s execution by Rome and entrance into glory by the grace and power of God, the Father, Jesus the beloved Son, the Lamb, and the blessed Holy Spirit who led Paul.

I am reminded, again, of what I tend to consider an unfortunate end to a poured out life.  I feel good when people appreciate me and what I have done. That comforts me in my old age.  I can hardly imagine what Paul is going through.  In his second letter to Timothy what comes through is not how to handle success, but how to transform suffering into offering.

Paul is as certain as certain can be that it all begins with the love and call of God.  He wrote, He 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. God is working out his loving redemptive purpose in the way He knows is best.  Jesus Christ appeared to Paul when he was making war on the followers of Jesus.  As for Timothy, we do not know how or when God called him.  Paul certainly knew because he confidently said, He has saved us and called us to a holy life.  I underline us.  In this regard there is not an inch of difference between Paul and Timothy.  Both were sought out and saved.  That made them brothers.

Having lived his life in the light of this revelation Paul proclaims that God is working out his own purpose and grace even if we cannot figure it out.  So everything goes back to God, even the relationship between the older Paul and the younger Timothy.

This God-given insight empowers Paul to life the holy life, no matter what.  Is this not a gift to all, even (or especially) me?