II Timothy 4:18 (NASB) The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
It’s difficult to suffer under the hand of falsehood. For most of us, this consists of simple misunderstandings or deliberate distortions meant to discredit us or do us some form of harm. Others, like Paul, will suffer severely under a heavy hand of falsehood, deceit, corruption and contempt.
I have known people who have suffered greatly at the hand of deceivers, people who have lost or nearly lost everything they had including their public reputation. I know one such person currently suffering under just such a yoke. What amazes me is the resilience God grants to those who stand on TRUTH. It may not be easy, and one would certainly never desire to be on the receiving end of such treatment, but when sided with truth, righteousness will always rise to the surface.
When I see those under extraordinary persecution, it is heart wrenching but inspiring at the same time. In these examples, to see God hold them securely and lovingly in His right hand, to grant them the strength necessary to stand under such strain, shows me how little I have to fear in the rather minor occurrences of my life. Their example offers assurance that no matter what it is, with that kind of faith, God will rescue us from evil big or small.
So, to those reading this, who embody this virtue, I thank you and God Blesses you. Hold fast, stand with truth and let the promise of God’s righteousness carry you through to glory! Have a blessed weekend.
Isaiah 41:13 “For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
