S – But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 

2 Timothy 4:5 CSB

O – Commentary:

Again Paul used the strong contrast But you … (cf. 3:10, 14). Timothy must remain cool-headed in the face of difficulties. He must be ready to endure hardship (cf. 2:3) as the pressure mounted. He must do the work of an evangelist, proclaiming the gospel at every opportunity. (There is no reason to assume, as some suggest, that Timothy was without the gift of evangelism). In every way, Paul wrote, fulfill your ministry (diakonian, the word for voluntary “service” from which comes “deacon”).

 A. Duane Litfin, “2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 758.

A – Hardship is a part of walking with God. The enemy will do whatever he can to dissolve our love for God.  He is a liar, accuser and he wants to rob, kill and destroy us.  Plus, life is hard and has challenges.  Knowing that God is present in all of this is tough to understand at times.  “But for you” reminds us that our relationship with God is personal and we have a choice.  We need to choose faith and trust in God in the midst of all of this.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the One, true God.  Life is hard right now and we invite you into every situation we are facing.  We put our faith and trust in you.