When life gets hard, when you get discouraged, remember God has called you to great works. He has placed you in a community of believers who are meant to encourage one another along this journey. He has given each of us the power to accomplish our purpose with His Holy Spirit dwelling in us. He has done all this through the finished work of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Reflect on these truths and remind others of them as well, and press forward with courage into the New Year.

Many people consider New Year’s Day an opportunity for a fresh start. We look to the future with hopes, dreams, and plans for something better. If that longing for a better future is born out of a difficult season or a difficult life, reflecting backward can seem unappealing or downright dreadful. However, for Christians, remembering key elements of our past can provide courage and motivation as we look to the future. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he instructs Timothy to remember his faith, his faith community, his gifting/calling, and the power of God in the Holy Spirit. As we press forward into 2025, I encourage you to reflect on the same elements of your life and remind those you counsel to do the same.

For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.
2 Timothy 1:5-9

Remember Your Faith

The Apostle Paul begins the instruction portion of his letter to Timothy by grounding it in Timothy’s faith. Paul offers Timothy his confident assurance that Timothy’s faith is sincere and abiding (v. 5). Many Christians wrestle with doubts concerning their salvation. Doubts arise in the face of trials and temptations. Giving into temptation, especially those one has sought to overcome for years, can sow seeds of doubt regarding the genuineness of one’s salvation. Seasons of trial and difficulty can make it seem like God does not hear us or that He is not even with us anymore. These doubts are exacerbated when the trials are severe or sustained for long periods. Timothy was facing strong opposition in ministry, and Paul pointed Timothy to his past and present faith.

Paul also reminds Timothy of the source and substance of the gospel at the heart of his faith. Remembering that God did not save us based on our works but by grace and the completed work of Jesus (v. 9) counteracts doubts of our salvation rooted in our sinfulness. When you begin to doubt your salvation, look to Jesus—remember His life, His work, His death, and His resurrection. Then remember that His work stands for eternity; He called you into it, and nothing can take that faith away (John 10:27-29; Rom. 8:38-39).

Remember the Power of God in the Holy Spirit

Paul reminds Timothy that his faith cannot be lost because it is not in Timothy’s hands; it is in God’s. Timothy’s faith was given and is sustained by the power of God (v. 8). That power which saves us continues with and abides in us. The power that saves and abides in us also empowers us to live courageously for God (v. 7).

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