No Regrets

ByJim Stephens

Reading: 2 Timothy 1; Proverbs 26

11 This is the Message I’ve been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. 12 It’s also the cause of all this trouble I’m in. But I have no regrets. I couldn’t be more sure of my ground—the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what he’s trusted me to do right to the end. 13 So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It’s as sound as the day you first heard it from me. 14 Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us. (2 Timothy 1:11-14 MSG)

Paul’s letters to Timothy are very personal, giving us greater insight into what was going on in Paul’s thoughts and emotions because:

  • He was writing to the person who was closer and dearer to him than anyone else.
  • He was in prison with more time on his hands than he preferred.
  • He was nearing the end of his life.

Paul was clear on his assignment. He was also clear that the assignment he had from God was not only the source of his success and fulfillment, but of all the trouble he was experiencing.

Paul challenged Timothy to have the same attitude towards his assignment and the gifts that accompanied it. Paul called the God-assignment “this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit…”. Paul speaks to me today that I need to take the assignment seriously and guard this precious thing that has been placed in my custody. 

Nearing the end of his life, Paul was clear on the call, satisfied with his life-shaping choices and their consequences, and confident in the outcome. Paul’s life was a “No Regrets” life! I want to be as satisfied with my choices and their consequences as Paul was with his.

As you think of “this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit,” are there any regrets? What do you need to do to make it a “No Regrets” life from here forward?

Prayer:

Father, I cry to you from deep in my heart this morning, “Please use me. Please let me finish well. Please take into account my gifts and abilities, Jean’s gifts and abilities, our relationships with family and friends, our needs, and our age and stage of life. Please take into account all those things. But the bottom line is, please use me in the way you created me to be used for your purpose! I want to live a No Regrets life!”