The Word of God Has Wings

"...For which I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained." 2 Timothy 2:9

The apostle Paul referred to Timothy as his "true son in the faith." While imprisoned Paul wrote Timothy a letter of remembrance (v.5) and encouragement (v.8). Paul may have been thinking of God's word which states in Isaiah 55:11 "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth. It shall not return to Me void (i.e. empty, without fruit) but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." In his encouraging way, Paul was instructing Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Jesus Christ; and to remember the things Paul had taught him. He also wanted Timothy to find faithful men who would carry on the the propagation of the gospel. "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (2:3) Sharing the truth of the gospel to an unbelieving world is always a battle in the great war of good and evil. Paul would continue to teach and encourage Timothy throughout the two letters He penned to his son in the faith. "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season..." 2 Timothy 4:2 In other words, "Timothy be ready to speak the gospel when it is popular and when it is not popular."

God has provided all that is needed to abound in all the work He has purposed for each believer to accomplish. "God is able to make all grace abound toward you , that you, always having sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 God incorporates all He has given to believers to spread the gospel. This verse states that God is more than capable to make all grace abound, in other words, "superabound; to be in excess. The divine influence on the heart and it's reflection in the believer's life includes gratitude. Gratitude expresses itself in being thankful to God for the gifts bestowed, and using those gifts to spread the gospel.To all believers has been committed the ministry of reconciliation. The ministry of reconciliation requires the utilization of the gospel, therefore the gospel must be preached. 2 Corinthians 5:18 The gospel is only bound when those called to spread the good news neither use their gifts, nor speak Christ's words to an unbelieving world. Jesus stated in Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." The gospel of Jesus Christ and God's kingdom will always move forward, it will never retreat. If there are those who refuse to do as Christ has bid them to do, then He will find another who will gladly be a soldier of His cause. "Many are called, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14.

The gospel is able to reach the hearts of people who have been imprisoned by man made walls; walls of tyranny, dictatorship, communists, and evil corruption. It cannot be kept from the hearts of the masses who desire Jesus Christ. The question which needs to be asked is the same question posed to Isaiah: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" The reply should be as Isaiah's, "Here am I , send me." Not all are able to go, but support of ministries which have access to hostile countries, and areas where God directs is one way to supply seed to the sower. 2 Corinthians 9:10-14

Suffering for the gospel gives the believer an affinity with Christ. Paul was imprisoned as he wrote to Timothy. He had suffered many things He . 2 Corinthians 11:25 Jesus was able to say, to His Father "I have finished the work which You have given Me to do." Jesus was obedient to the Father's command, even to death. John 10:18; Philippians 2:8 May all who are called by the dear name of Christ be willing to be partakers of affliction whatever it may be; to enable the gospel of our Lord and Savior be to heard, and witnessed by an unbelieving world; that we may say to Christ, I have finished the work You have given me to do.Mark 16:15 For only when I have accomplished that which I have been given to do will I hear the words of my Master say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant enter into the joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:21
Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel www.mycalvaryslove.com