“I know the One in whom I trust, and I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return.” (2 Timothy 1:13b (NLT)
Benjamin Franklin wrote the last of his famous quotes about five months before his death. In November 1789, he wrote to a friend of his in France, a scientist named Jean-Baptiste Le Roy. In the letter, Franklin told him about the ratification of the Constitution and the beginning of a new government under it. Franklin said, “Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”
The fatalistic quote about “death and taxes” has been repeated for over two centuries in our country. While we can understand what Franklin meant, the idea that they are the only things one can be certain of in this world is sad at best. In Genesis 15:13, the Lord says to Abram, “You can be sure…” Those words made me think of many things that God wants each of us to be sure about while in this world. Here is a short list of a few of them:
You can be sure God loves you beyond human comprehension.
You can be sure the shedding of Jesus’ blood atones for all your sins.
You can be sure nothing separates you from God’s love.
You can be sure Jesus is preparing a place for you so you will be with Him.
You can be sure the darkness is not dark to Him, and you are never alone.
You can be sure that Jesus’ resurrection proves death is defeated.
You can be sure that fervent prayer avails much.
You can be sure surrender to Him brings freedom.
You can be sure ____________________________.
What other truths might you put in this space? This could lead to an interesting conversation over a family meal!
What we are sure of makes a difference in how we walk this journey with the LORD. The 2 Timothy 1:13b verse is our response to what we are sure of, and it is reflected in our actions in this world. How have you seen this in your walk?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You want us to be certain about truth. If there is truth that I am not sure about, please show me what it is. I want to walk the journey well that You have for me, and to live for Your glory until the day of Jesus’ return. In His name, Amen.
Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member