“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).
Here in 2 Timothy 4:5, Paul the Apostle urged Timothy to remain attentive and endure afflictions, especially in matters of spiritual concern. With these characteristics in mind, let’s consider some obstacles which may impede our ability to exercise these qualities…
Spiritual lethargy: We may grow disheartened by the seemingly never-ending problems of daily life and the prospect of having to deal with those problems into the foreseeable future. In such instances, we would do well to remember Jesus’ counsel from Matthew 6:34: “So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own” (NET). It also helps to focus upon the following promise from Galatians 6:9: “And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.”
Fear: Fear is a quality that may limit our ability to fulfill God’s agenda for our lives. But as Proverbs 20:29 reminds us, “Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety” (TLB). As Jesus also reminded us in the Gospel of Luke, “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12:4-5 NKJV).
Unbelief: Hebrews 3:12 provides us with a cautionary message in this regard: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).
Criticism from others: Paul the Apostle offered an excellent model for dealing with criticism: “We try to live in such a way that no one will ever be offended or kept back from finding the Lord by the way we act, so that no one can find fault with us and blame it on the Lord” (TLB). 1 Peter 2:12 adds, “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world” (NLT).
Disappointment: It is difficult and challenging when others let us down and disappoint us. In such instances, we should remember the counsel found in Hebrews 12:2 “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end” (GNB).