2Ti 1:12 "... I know whom I have believed and am
persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."
In Afrikaans it uses the word "pand". Why? This word can
mean different things. It can mean a ring.
"... en ek is oortuig dat Hy mag het om my pand te bewaar tot dié dag toe."
God is able to keep that which I've committed to Him right to the
end.
JOHN NEWTON'S STRANGE DREAM
It was while he was on a voyage that he had an extraordinary dream that left a deep
impression upon his mind. He saw himself on board a ship in Venice harbour where a man
handed him a valuable ring of exceptional beauty and worth. As he placed it on his finger,
he was promised that so long as it was in his possession, he would be successful and
happy. Should he lose it, then he would be plunged into misery and ruin. Then a second
person came and began pouring scorn on his weakness and superstition for believing that a
mere ring could bring such good fortune. He was seduced into throwing the ring overboard.
In that instant all hell broke loose (or so it seemed in his dream) and he was overcome by
deep anguish and torment. Shortly after, the first person re-appeared, questioning Newton
as to the whereabouts of the ring. He immediately plunged into the water, salvaging the
lost ring, and so restoring calm. But instead of returning it to him, Newton was told: 'If
you should be entrusted with this ring again, you would soon bring yourself into the same
distress: you are not able to keep it; but I will preserve it for you, and, whenever it is
needful, will produce it on your behalf.'
Only years later did he see the symbolism in the dream and realise the goodness of God in
giving him the gift of life, which he forfeited under the seduction of satan, then to have
it restored again in Christ. His life, he later came to see, was now hid in Christ in God.
(Read more at http://www.newcreation.org.au/books/pdf/285_JohnNewton.pdf
)
Your calling to follow Christ is like that ring. When things get
difficult you want to throw it all overboard. Peter promised that he would not deny the
Lord like others but then shortly after he did just that. He couldn't do it in his own
strength.
We all made promises to serve God, give Him our lives, live for
Him but we cannot do it on our own.
The devil plays the fool with you when there are difficulties; he
mocks your promises and makes you believe your life is worthless.
Your life is like gold to God. Life will be victorious and joyous
if you walk with God and let Him carry your "ring" for you. We need to have our
spiritual eyes opened to understand and to see things. Entrust your life and your calling
to God.





