“Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 1:14 (NLT)

It had been a long day, and I needed sleep, but I still had to put my children to bed. My 2-year-old brought me a board book about the gospel and lifted it up to my face, her way of telling me she wanted to read.

I’m too exhausted for this, I thought. And then: If I was actually a good mom, I’d have more energy. Followed by: Have I done a single thing right today? Half the time I don’t even know what the right thing is.

“OK, we’ll read it once,” I told her.

When we reached the end of the book, she insisted we start over. Then again … and again. By the fifth read-through, I realized the simple and beautiful message wasn't just for her — it was for me too.

I’ve known and believed in Jesus since I was a little girl, but that day, I needed His Truth to confront the chaos in my life. The lies of the enemy were threatening to overtake my mind, but when I was reminded of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, I was ready to fight back.

We find a similar idea in Paul’s second letter to Timothy, his missionary assistant who became like a son to him. Paul was waiting to be put to death in a Roman prison when he wrote this letter, and he had endured much persecution, but his greatest concern was passing on his passion for the gospel.

That’s why he gave Timothy an important assignment: “Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14). In the world’s chaos and confusion, Paul didn’t want Timothy to lose sight of the One who is Truth and peace — Jesus.

Guarding the Truth starts in our own hearts: When the days get long, life gets hard and the world becomes chaotic, we need to preach the gospel to ourselves again … and again. As we do, the Holy Spirit leads and guides us, and He also empowers us to share the Good News with others.

I know I need to hear this every day, and I’m pretty sure you do too. So here’s the Truth:

Jesus loves us. He died to redeem our brokenness and make us right with God, and He rose from the grave to defeat death so all who believe in Him can have eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; John 3:16). By faith, we can live with confidence that one day, He will return, make all things new and wipe away our tears (Revelation 21:4-5).

Let’s ask Jesus to fill our hearts with a passion to know and proclaim this precious Truth — because it truly is Good News.

Dear God, thank You for the salvation You’ve given me through Jesus. Show me what it looks like to guard the good deposit of the gospel in my life. Give me the desire to dig deeper into Your Word so when lies come, I’m ready to fight them with Your Truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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If you enjoyed this devotion by Catherine Martinez, you'll be excited to hear that she also wrote our next First 5 study guide … 1 & 2 Timothy: The Clarity You Need When Life Feels Chaotic, Confusing and out of Control. These aren’t just words to read. The books of 1 and 2 Timothy contain wisdom-filled truths that will shape our thoughts, actions and reactions as we try to live for God in a world that often doesn’t look godly. Get your copy!

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To connect with Catherine, follow her on Instagram @catherinemackmartinez.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead …” (ESV).

Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (ESV).

How can you guard the gospel in your own life today? In what ways has God called you to share His Truth with others? Let us know in the comments!

© 2024 by Catherine Martinez. All rights reserved.