Approved of God

APPROVED OF GOD

2 Timothy 2:2-14

V. 15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

“Did you shut the guys up on the school bus today?” Brad asked Jeremy as the ten year old boys jogged to football practice after school.

“Maybe,” Jeremy answered. (See Hope of Relief and Heaviest Burden devotions). “They don’t bother me anymore.”

“Wow! How did that happen?” Brad wondered.

As they began stretching, Jeremy said, “I just asked Jesus to help me, and He did.”

Brad’s eyes grew wide. He asked, “That fast? What did you do?”

“I just told them to have a great day.”

“No way!” Brad insisted. You wanted to deck them last week.”

Jeremy finished his push ups, and spoke softly to Brad, “Some voice said to forgive them. I think that was Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. Because I also heard, ‘I got this, Bro.’”

“You’re crazy, Jerm!” Brad said, shaking his head. “Jesus doesn’t talk to us!”

Chuckling, Jeremy admitted, “It does sound weird, but I know it was God. Didn’t Jesus tell His disciples that He would come to them, not leave them as orphans, before He ascended to heaven?” (John 14:18).

If we believe that God doesn’t speak to us, why would we expect God to answer prayers? Apostle Paul stopped persecuting early Christians—only to preach the gospel of Christ—after Jesus spoke to him (Acts 9:4-6). Prayer isn’t a one-way street; it intends to build a dynamic relationship with God.

Indeed, God answers prayer.

God can deliver His message to us through people. God’s kids represent Him to the world, so we shouldn’t be surprised if some advice comes from God through another. Most times, God speaks to us in the Bible. This is why we must never distort the Bible’s words to support a personal plan.

God’s Spirit gives us understanding and wisdom, interpreting difficult passages for us, when we study the Bible. As God’s kid, Jeremy is His approved worker. Jeremy represents God’s nature to the world.

If we misrepresent His Word, we misrepresent God, Himself!

Take Home Nugget

We should never be ashamed that our words and actions demonstrate Christ to the watching world. When God speaks, people know for sure Who’s speaking. When God “speaks” through His Word, He provides opportunities for us to represent Scripture as mirrors of His heart—one of our greatest privileges!

Holy Father, thank You for giving me Your Word and Spirit to guide my life. I “hear” You directing my life in many ways. May I represent Your Word and character accurately to the world by what I say and do! Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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