A Robust Faith

Toughen up! We might hear these words of not-so-gentle challenge from a coach, a business colleague, or even a parent. The problem with such a command is that it comes with no resource for complicity. It simply expects us to muster up the strength to perform whatever task lies before us in our strength. How different is Paul’s exhortation to Timothy. “Be strong,” Paul writes, and adds, “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” The grace of God through His eternal Son enables us to toughen up in the midst of impossible circumstances. Paul’s words ring down through the centuries to God’s people today. We need to be strong, depending on the grace that flows from Jesus Christ. By His grace we can develop a robust faith. The strength of our faith should reflect the strength of our Savior. This kind of robust faith will display the characteristics of multiplication, discipline, and reflection.