Emphasis Preaching Journal

Paul urges Timothy to be persistent in proclamation of the gospel, in favorable or unfavorable times. As parents, we often urge our children to be persistent in their various activities of life. Indeed, many of the stories we read to our children have persistence as a theme or subtheme.

Consider the fable of "The Hare and the Tortoise." The tortoise, in a very unfavorable race, persistently moves toward the goal. The tortoise never gives up, despite the snickers of the crowd and the sneers from the Hare. The tortoise reaches the goal.

Then there is "The Little Engine That Could." Left in the roundhouse because he was thought too little and weak, the engine knew his capabilities and wanted the chance to prove himself. One day when all of the bigger, more powerful engines are out, he gets his chance to pull a train of toys over the mountain. Who can forget the scene, as he chugs up the mountain, repeating the mantra, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can," until he reaches the apex of the mountain in triumph.

Paul knew that there would be days when Timothy would feel like cashing in. "Be persistent, Timothy. God is with you."