Keep commanding and teaching these things. 12 Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to public reading [of Scripture], to preaching and to teaching [the sound doctrine of God's word]. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, [that special endowment] which was intentionally bestowed on you [by the Holy Spirit] through prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands on you [at your ordination]. 15 Practice and work hard on these things; be absorbed in them [completely occupied in your ministry], so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself [concentrate on your personal development] and to your teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.—1 Timothy 4:11-16 AMP (emphasis mine)
Be an example, do not neglect the spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit has given you and pay close attention to your own development and persevere. These words of exhortation from Paul, to Timothy, his precious son in the faith can be summed up in one word...abide. Stay close to Jesus...hold fast to Him, hold fast to His word and as His Spirit directs, do the next right thing. Without Him we can do nothing good. Without the Spirits’ love shed abroad in our hearts, motivating our words and deeds, we become as sounding brass or clanging symbols.
Beloved, with a steadfast heart set on the Lord your God, persevere on your journey...put one foot in front of the other, do the next right thing and trust His sufficiency in all of it. Do not grow weary. He is faithful. He will use your obedience and devotion in ways you could not imagine..not only in your life, but also in the lives of those He has lovingly placed near you. When the Lord is your Shepherd, goodness and mercy will follow you. You will not be able to outrun them...they WILL ALWAYS overtake you. His goodness will surround your footsteps and His mercy will cover your missteps. He gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that you may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.—Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV
