Lord, thank You for Paul’s testimony as he encouraged Timothy of what You did for him. I thank You for Paul’s example to his contemporaries, and to me centuries later. I came to faith because of your love and mercy in that You displayed your perfect patience on my behalf. You captivated my heart with your grace. You set me on your path in service and gave me a godly purpose. Grant me your wisdom as I walk out that path. Let others see Jesus in me. Increase the territory of your message through me. Be glorified in my daily rhythms in the name and authority of Jesus, according to the Father’s good and perfect will. Amen.
“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Timothy 1: 12-17 ESV)