My husband and I recently went on a spiritual retreat, with the primary goal of letting our souls catch up to our bodies. This rat race of life, work, avoiding COVID, societal tension, all while fighting terminal cancer can move us to become very busy people. Frustrated people. Angry people. Unfocused people. Sometimes we just need to get away and retreat to gain proper perspective. Sometimes we need a mountainside where we can pray.
“After he had dismissed them [the crowd],
he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.”
Matthew 14:23 (NIV)
We headed to Boulder Colorado for some inspiration (and cooler weather). Backpacks were filled with food, chairs, study materials, and of course water. Each day would bring a new adventure, and cooler temperatures than we have in Texas!
I deleted FaceBook from my phone so I was not distracted by the world. I wanted to focus on the Lord and listen to what He had for me.
We studied the books of First and Second Timothy separately and together, engaged in prayer and planning, went on hikes through the mountains and foothills, and walked through a wildlife refuge. We sat by a mountain river and studied Scripture, while enjoying the fabulous backdrop God provided. This particular hike was a bit challenging for me (four miles total), but God provided me with the strength I needed.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
In the wildlife refuge near Denver we witnessed bison, prairie dogs, elk, deer, coyote, and more, then sat by a lake to study. Mountain views were once again our backdrop.
The foothills blessed us with a colorful paraglider show in the sky, as well as mountains in our view. Bumblebees busily buzzed around us as we studied and had lunch beneath a shade tree. The hike up the hill was harder than it looked!
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
We built altars to commemorate our time with the Lord.
See Joshua 22:26-27.
My eye was behind the camera at times, taking in the view through my little black box. But much of the time I just sat and took it in. Listening to nature, and listening for anything the Lord might say. Few photos remain from those moments, but the pictures are firmly planted in my mind.
Paul’s letters to Timothy are inspirational. I admit I was not initially all that excited, but it was quite a good read. I encourage you to read them and study them. These letters are a personal word of encouragement to Paul’s spiritual son. Timothy became a Christian under his ministry. He tells us Timothy’s mother and grandmother were a big part of this process. This affirms my role in the lives of my grandchildren!
Paul also wrote these letters to describe his ideas for structure in the church setting. As we reflected, we imagined he is looking back over many years of ministry. While he has started churches organically around the region, he now recognizes they need some organization if they are to grow and succeed. He gives Timothy ideas on how to structure the church for success.
Similar to Paul, we have been involved in ministry for many years. We have planted churches. We have passed on the baton to other leaders. As we delved into the letters to Timothy and reflected on its meaning for us personally, we realized we have learned much by working in churches throughout the years. God has given us much. We are grateful he has gifted us with knowledge, education, and experiences. This means we have great responsibility.
“When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.”
Luke 12:48b (NLT)
We are hopeful there are some Timothys out there who will listen to our wise counsel as we serve and coach pastors and churches. Paul also urges Timothy to stay alert in terms of doctrine, to watch out for false teachers. We felt this is particularly important during our current time as we see so much false teaching in the world. Part of our responsibility exists in truth-telling.
Second Timothy was especially endearing to me, as it was the last book Paul wrote before he was to be executed. The first letter was written from a place of house arrest, where he could have visitors and roam about freely. The second letter was written most likely from a cold and drafty dungeon, where he was in chains because of his faith. Only one person (Luke, the physician) was with him. Paul knows he is about to die.
In addition to much learned (too much to include in this blog), this study made me think about my life. Who would I would write to at the end of my life? What would I say? What would I want them to know? What would God inspire me to say to them? I found it very interesting that Paul chose to write to Timothy. Not his wife, not his children (assuming he had any), not to his physical family, but to his spiritual son and family. He was most concerned about the life of a young preacher, the advancement of God’s Kingdom, and the security of His church. Oh to be like Paul…
I long to have this kind of Kingdom mindset, so these things are always in the forefront of my thoughts. Always.
À la prochaine…until next time.
