2nd Timothy 1:12 For... I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
This passage of scripture teaches us two very important truths, (1) That our relationship with Christ should be based on a solemn commitment to serve Him, and to do His every bidding through the grace accorded us, and (2) We should depend on His strength and omnipotent power to keep the vows we have thus made. When these two important points are kept in mind, and are literally carried out in our lives, it will be extremely difficult for us to become separated from Christ, since the daily renewals of grace, mercy, and power are given to keep us running the Christian race with a steady and even tread. Let's read:
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
It is of critical importance for us to understand that we do not have the guts, the will, nor the power to keep our own commitments, for it is often the case that in the heat of the moment, we make certain new year's resolutions, and begin with vigor and drive to execute that which we seek to accomplish. But as history too often shows, we begin to lose energy and impetus to keep going, and it's usually only a matter of weeks or months before our initial burst of energy, frizzles out into thin air, and we sometimes even drop a little lower than when we first started out, because of discouragement and depleted motivation.
Moses understood this sacred truth, and in his own experience with the children of Israel in the desert, wandering from place to place and being threatened and heckled by his own people in many different situations, he learned the important lesson of depending on God's power to keep chugging along. On one occasion he was so overwhelmed with despondency that he asked God to remove him from his burdens, since at this time the Hebrews were just about to stone him, not for anything evil he had done, but because of their stubborn unbelief, and the murmuring and complaining which was so often manifested in them. Let's read:
Exodus 17:1 And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin" ..... "3 And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? 4 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.
Numbers 11:10 Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased. 11 And Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? 14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. 15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.
Question: How then did Moses endure these turbulent experiences without blowing a fuse, and how was he able to keep his commitment in the face of daunting challenges which tested his faith and patience to the very core? It's one thing and one thing only, he kept his eyes on the only One who could sustain and keep him, and thus he was enabled to fulfill the responsibility he had accepted, to be used by God in bringing the children of Israel into the promised land, a commitment that could only be kept through the daily renewals of God's grace and strength to sustain him in times of dire need. Let's read:
Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
As we face the challenges of a new year, with temporal and spiritual under-currents pulling us in the opposite direction of faith, virtue, and integrity, it's necessary, that like Moses and all those other heroes of faith, who were enabled through the indwelling spirit of God to keep their commitment to serve, love and obey Him, that we too be strengthened with might and power in the inner man, so that we do not lose steam early into the new year. The Christian wins all of his battles on his knees, and through the grace of God, every hurdle, and every daunting situation can be faced and successfully routed, so that our commitment to serve and follow Christ can remain intact throughout the entire year.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which should give us the courage and fortitude to keep moving forward, and if we keep our eyes on Christ, we can live victoriously, and be found faithful to truth and duty in the new year. Let's read:
Isaiah 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night' and God bless!