One Thing Needful

II Timothy 1:12 – But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.

Paul was not ashamed to suffer because he knew Who his trust was in. Also, he was not ashamed to suffer becuase he was persuaded that the One he was trusting was able to guard the treasure (the gospel and his appointment to proclaim it) with which he had been entrusted.

Paul knew the ministry God had called him to and even though imprisonment and suffering seemed to thwart that purpose, he had confidence that God was able to guard for Paul what He was called to do. He even said on occasions that his imprisonment had actually advanced the gospel. In essence, Paul was saying, I know the One who called me, I know what He’s called me to do and I am confident that He will provide every opportunity and protect me from any hindrance or anything that would destroy my ability to fulfil that call. He was exhorting Timothy in his ministry, encouraging him to have the same understanding.