For preaching the “promise of life in Christ Jesus,” the apostle Paul suffered more injustices than can be listed. Yet he said, “I am not ashamed: for I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that HE IS ABLE to keep that which I have committed to Him (his soul) against that Day (of His appearing).” – (2 Timothy 1:12)
This is the definition of faith in action. Paul believed God was able to keep his soul for the glorious future ahead, therefore making him able to endure hardships here and now. This is a wonderful height above the impoverished idea of “having faith in yourself.” To know that “all the promises of God toward us are "'Yea!’ and ‘Amen!’ in Christ Jesus” – that is, doubly guaranteed by His power - is an anchor for our souls that will not fail.
Faith, contrary to popular belief, is not a feeling. It is a conviction… “Now faith is the confidence of things hoped for (the promises of God), the conviction of things not seen (spiritual realities)” - (Hebrews 11:1). This is another wonderful height of truth because our feelings, which go up and down with each day, do not define our faith. God’s Truth does.
Abraham also, who was so tenderly called “the friend of God,” simply believed that “what God had promised, He was able also to perform” (Romans 4:21). The Bible is rich with these promises for us to grasp in Christ… “HE IS ABLE to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him” … “HE IS ABLE to make all grace abound” toward us in our trials… … “HE IS ABLE to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power (Spirit of Truth) that works in us” … and thousands more.
I too am persuaded that because Jesus died for us and rose again, all who trust in Him will stand together on Heaven’s shores “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” – because He is able to save and to keep us for that Day.
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