praying effectively: Endure (2Tim. 4:1-5)

(2 Timothy 4:1-5)  I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we endure hardships (4:5)

- that we are able to instruct other believers with patience and love when required to reprove, rebuke or encourage them (4:2)

- that we remain sober in our thinking, practically clinging to God's words (4:5)

- that we remain steadfast and ready to give testimony of the gospel message (4:2)

- that we spread the gospel message (4:5)

- that we preach God's word (4:2)

- that we use our spiritual gifts to serve God and others  (4:5)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being our strength and protection in times of struggles and hardships.  Help us to not only endure, but remain steadfast and strong in Your love and peace.  Guide us in Your wisdom to understand Your will better.  And guide us in knowing how to teach Your doctrines, as well as how to live them out.  Give us opportunities and the right words to effectively share the gospel message with those around us.  All to Your glory, amen.