Us. Not just Paul and not just Timothy, us. And just like those two followers of old, we can’t earn a place in the “holy club” either. If God has a purpose and a willingness, then there is also enough grace, because of the work of the Christ, we’re in. And all of this happens “outside of time.”
II Timothy 1:9
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, . . .
I know this verse doesn’t really say “outside” of time, but Paul does write “before the beginning of time,” and I ask, what’s the difference? Because if something is before time, then it’s beyond the control and increments of time. It could be happening “now.” Call is not part of time. That’s amazing!
And if call is not part of time, then service to the Christ is also unhampered by the march of the years of my life. I can be used by God when I am 15 or 90. I can manifest the holy life for a minute, a day, or a lifetime. Those moments are not about me and more than likely, no one will necessarily point at my life’s work or example and say, “oh look, a holy life.” My holy life is in the hands of God’s purpose and grace.
I have skipped the previous verse that articulates the importance of suffering as a portion of the call. This aspect is always a challenge to me. Is suffering a testimony to holiness? I know there are some I can attest it’s true, friends who have walked the suffering pain of cancer and many to their death. Their courage and their abiding love for God during their illnesses humble me still today.
Is that time still to come? I don’t know. Will I choose with courage? If I can just hold on to one truth: suffering in time is finite while the holy life is eternal.
Meditations from Zion 
Hi Irm,
I don’t know that suffering in and of itself is a testimony to holiness. But I don’t think many people get out of here WITHOUT suffering, so the way that they handle it may be. And, when we do suffer, the peace and grace that we are given to get through it is a testimony of God’s holiness, grace, mercy and love for us. We never know that might have happened if we were not suffering…perhaps something worse? For example, my son has gone to be with the Lord, and that has caused me and my husband considerable anguish. But what greater anguish might he or we have suffered had he lived? We just never know why God allows the things He does…but we can rest in the knowledge that He is good, and acts for our good. And…I may not be HAPPY about my circumstances, but I AM at peace.
:0)
Jane
Thanks for sharing something so significant in your life. I have been told that losing a child is one of the most difficult for parents.
I think I was thinking specifically about suffering within a faith life. And suffering in this circumstance is when “hope” is challenged but the Holy Spirit prevails. That is the ideal, the point. I have not walked this road yet. I have known difficulties and sorrow, but not the other.
Thanks for your testimony and your holy life.