Have faith and hold fast in shifting winds

SOMETIMES life feels like it’s constantly changing, pulling us in a dozen directions, and it’s easy to lose our bearings.

Paul reminds Timothy — and all of us — to stick with what we know is true, even when everything else seems up for grabs. He encourages Timothy to trust those who taught him and, more importantly, to hang on to what’s been tested and proven in God’s story.

Faith isn’t just about hanging on to old habits; it’s about keeping hold of the truth that’s shaped us, even as the world keeps moving the goalposts.

The God breathed word

Let’s be honest — there are loads of voices telling us how to live, what to think, and who to be. In the middle of all that noise, the Bible stands out because it’s not just good advice; it’s God’s life breathed on to the page. Paul calls it “God-breathed”, making it more than just ancient text — it’s living and powerful, able to shape us for good. When culture is swirling around us, scripture grounds us and helps us see the world (and ourselves) the way God does. It gives us fundamental tools for teaching, correcting and getting back on track when we wander.

Whether convenient or not

Paul’s words to Timothy could just as well be said to us: share God’s story, whether it’s easy or hard. The gospel isn’t just for Sunday mornings or when people are in the mood; it’s for every day, every situation. Sometimes sharing God’s truth will mean having tough conversations or standing up for something unpopular. That’s not always comfortable, but faithfulness isn’t about comfort — it’s about being true to the message, with plenty of grace and patience mixed in. Truth-telling and encouragement go hand in hand.

“Itching ears”

Ever notice how people (probably even us sometimes!) have a habit of listening only to what they want to hear? Paul warns that there will always be a crowd ready to tune in to whatever sounds good in the moment. But bending the gospel to fit trends or feelings doesn’t help anyone in the long run. Real love means holding the line of truth, even if it’s not always welcome. It’s about finding a balance: being bold with what’s right, but gentle with those hearing it.

Keep your head, endure hardship

Paul doesn’t sugarcoat things — he knows following Jesus and serving others can be tough. “Keep your head,” he says. Don’t let stress, criticism or fatigue make you lose sight of your calling. When difficulties pile up, please don’t run from them; lean in and press forward. Timothy’s job was to give ministry his all, no half-measures — and that’s a challenge for us, too. Staying faithful means being steady, calm and ready to serve, whatever comes.

Today’s disciples

These ancient words speak straight into our modern lives. The question isn’t just what we believe, but whether we’ll let God’s word shape us — really shape us — even when things get complicated or unpopular. Are we letting scripture speak louder than the latest opinions? Are we brave enough to speak God’s truth with kindness, in a world hungry for real answers? That’s the call: to keep following Jesus, steady in spirit, anchored in reality, and ready to love, even when the wind picks up.