Even strong men such as Timothy needed to be encouraged to stand fast in the face of hard times, as is evident from this paragraph:

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 

2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 

3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 

4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 

5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 

6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 

7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

~ 2 Timothy 2:1-7

Holy God, I am grateful for the godly men that You have brought into my life. They have all helped me to draw closer to You, and I am thankful for the spiritual growth I have experienced through Jesus. The lessons and examples that I have been blessed with, I want to pass on to other faithful men who will also be able to teach others. Please give me the strength to endure like a good soldier, always focused on spiritual matters. Help me to have the discipline to do everything according to Your will, and may I sincerely practice what I learn from You. Lord, please grant me understanding in all things! Amen.  

8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 

10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 

12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 

13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 

14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 

15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

~ Colossians 2:8-15

In this writing, Paul mentions several spiritual blessings that come with being in Jesus Christ, such as the ability to put off the body of the flesh, being brought to life, and being forgiven. However, one of the greatest blessings we receive through Christ is His fulfillment of the law of Moses. He has delivered us from the law, which was a set of commandments contained in ordinances.

Holy God in Heaven, I want to express my deep gratitude for the salvation that I have received through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I am aware that Your grace has been at work in my life, and am humbled by the fact that I have been made complete in Him through baptism. I was once lost in my sins, but now I am alive in Christ, free from all my trespasses, and I thank You for delivering me from my past. As I walk with You, I pray that You will help me to stay alert, lest anyone should deceive me with empty philosophies. I want to know You more intimately, Lord, and I long to make Jesus the true King of my life. Please guide me on this journey and help me to always remember the love that You have shown me through Your Son. I ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 

15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 

16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 

17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 

18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 

19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

~ Philippians 4:10-20

This paragraph is a remarkable demonstration of the spirituality of the apostle Paul. Essentially, he expresses his gratitude towards the Philippians for their gift, not because he needed it or was unsure of what to do with it, but because it revealed something profound about their own spirituality. Paul explains that he has learned to be content with having, or not having, material possessions.

Holy God, I rejoice in You. All my needs have truly been met. When I look around at my surroundings, I see so many comforts that have been afforded to me and my family.  I am so grateful for the brethren who continue to supply for our needs and am blessed to know so many good and generous people. That said, their generosity is an indicator of their spiritual wellness! To have such giving and open hearts, I am so grateful for their example. Help me to see more fully, the spiritual motivations of those who are doing Your will. Moreover, help me to express thanksgiving, commending them for their faithfulness, just like the apostle Paul did. As You see fit, I ask that You continue supplying for all our needs according to Your riches in glory by Jesus Christ. Now, to You be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 

19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

~ Ephesians 6:10-20 

If even the great apostle Paul required the prayers of others to have the courage to preach, especially during difficult times, then all of us need to pray for and support each other in the same way.

Lord God and Father, You alone are the great and awesome God. Thank you for giving me strength through Your Son. I ask for further strength to stand in Your power, especially against the wiles of the devil. Thank You for providing me with the whole armor to do so. I understand that I am in a spiritual war, which has eternal consequences at stake. Thank You for the comforts that I enjoy, but please help me to stay aware of the trying times that may be on the horizon. Please guide me in studying Your word and help me to be truthful and righteous. God, please help me to prepare with the gospel of peace. I want to have a strong faith, be vigilant, and wise. Further, I pray for all Your people, everywhere. Please strengthen us inwardly and help us to do Your will, outwardly. Give us the courage to speak boldly and make known the truth of YOUR gospel! We live in a challenging climate, so please grant us wisdom and courage to do Your will in ALL things. Amen.

In Corinth, some people tried to ruin Paul’s reputation among the believers. As a result, Paul had to reluctantly prove that he was a faithful Jew and an apostle of Jesus Christ. He didn’t do it out of pride, but to maintain his influence among the believers who trusted him.

Paul was initially hesitant to boast about his credentials. To prevent himself from being exalted above measure, he received a thorn in the flesh. He prayed for its removal, but it remained. Through his difficulties, he learned to rely more on Jesus Christ. As he sought to sacrifice some of his comforts for the benefit of the Corinthians, he needed strength from Jesus. However, despite his efforts, some Corinthians continued to be carnal minded, which broke his heart.

Despite accusations of fickleness and opposition, Paul was far from being fickle. He fearlessly addressed the needs of the group concerning repentance, while also being mindful of the tender-hearted ones and speaking with the necessary gentleness. He trusted that the group would accept his guidance, and had every intention of doing whatever was necessary to help them on their spiritual journey.

Holy God, there may be times when I face resistance from those who refuse to follow Your will. They may even try to tarnish my reputation because they are unwilling to conform to the likeness of Your son, despite my best efforts. I pray that I don’t feel the need to defend myself out of pride or ego. Instead, please help me to say whatever is necessary to maintain a positive influence, all for Your glory. Whatever the circumstances, I ask for the strength to rely more fully on You. If I experience pain or hardship, I pray that it draws me closer to You. Furthermore, please grant me the wisdom to speak boldly when necessary and to be gentle when others are struggling. May I always be open and hopeful with my spiritual brethren. Help me to draw closer to You, and please give me the strength to help others do the same. Amen.