2 Timothy 3:14 “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it.”

When a wise man has an important decision to make, he will seek out advice from those who have more experience and wisdom on the subject. The greater a person’s knowledge, the more confidence we have in accepting their advice and stepping out in it. Paul did not just preach the Gospel – he lived it. Timothy, the young man Paul ordained to lead the church at Ephesus, had many examples to follow. He could trust what he had been taught because those who had taught him did not merely tell him but showed him the power of God through lives lived in service to the Lord. Somewhere along the way, someone has spoken words of life into your life. They may have been family, a pastor, a friend or even a neighbor. Perhaps it happened in your youth, or it could have happened after you had many years of living under your belt. Believing is a matter of trusting in those in whom you have heard. God’s word never fails. And you can believe in those who have walked the road you now travel, and can trust in their example. They would not have reached you, had Christ not reached them through someone else.

Pray: “Dearest Father, you have surrounded me with examples of those who have put their faith in you. I can believe what they have taught me, not because they have spoken it to me, but because I can see them live it. It is not, after all, them in who I have faith – but in your holy word. Thank you for bringing people into my life that care enough about me to help me on this leg of my journey. Bring me, I pray, someone who can benefit from what you have taught me. Let my example lead them to greater believing in you. I ask it, Lord, in my dear Savior’s name – Amen.