DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
JULY 11, 2026
READ: 2 Timothy 2 (Focus vs 1-13)
MEMORY VERSE
“Therefore, I endure everything…“ 2 Timothy 2:10
BACKGROUND
Bulgarian lifeguard Yane Petkov won a world record for swimming with his hands and feet tied together. He swam 3,380 meters through the water but added something to intensify the challenge—he wrapped his body in a sack.
The patience and strength required to keep moving despite being so “tied up” amazes me. The apostle Paul also displayed rugged resistance to obstacles as he served God in the days of the early church.
Despite facing fatigue, hunger, sleeplessness, and beatings, Paul continued to preach and write letters of encouragement and instruction to his fellow believers.
Paul penned his last letter to Timothy when he was isolated in a Roman prison, awaiting execution. Although shackles restricted his body, he noted that the good news could not be “chained” (2 Timothy 2:9). “Therefore,”
Paul said, “I endure everything” to give others the chance to hear and accept the truth about Jesus Christ (v. 10).
God can help us endure any kind of difficulty that stands in the way of serving Him. Physical limitations such as illness, injuries, and disabilities require care and attention, but they can’t ultimately surpass God’s power, which is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Let’s give God the glory when He works through us to do things we cannot do on our own.
Jennifer Benson Schuldt
INSIGHT
Paul felt abandoned (2 Timothy 1:15). His imprisonment would end in his execution, a prospect that makes his words to Timothy endearing: “You then, my son, be strong” (2:1). He employed three metaphors to encourage Timothy.
The soldier maintains a disciplined focus to “please his commanding officer” (v. 4). The athlete competes “according to the rules” (v. 5). And the farmer “should be the first to receive a share of the crops” (v. 6).
Amid tremendous personal hardship, the apostle wanted Timothy to know the struggle “for the gospel” (1:8) was worth it. As we face difficulties today, God will help us endure whatever stands in the way of our service to Him.
Tim Gustaafson
APPLICATION
What’s your greatest area of struggle as you consider serving God? How does He want to help you cope with the frustration that comes from your limitations?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
PR’s TAKE
“… for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.” 1John 3:20-22
“…I am become all things to all men that I should save at least some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22
“Jesus endured all things for our good, we must endure all things for His glory” Daily Grace – Adapted
PRAYER
“Dear God, I lay down my pride and ask for Your help to bring glory to Your name.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“I WILL TRUST”
I will trust in the Lord,
I will trust in the Lord,
I will trust in the Lord till I die.
I will trust in the Lord,
I will trust in the Lord,
I will trust in the Lord till I die.
I’m gonna treat ev’rybody right,
I’m gonna treat ev’rybody right,
I’m gonna treat ev’rybody right till I die.
I’m gonna treat ev’rybody right,
I’m gonna treat ev’rybody right,
I’m gonna treat ev’rybody right till I die.
I’m gonna stay on the battlefield,
I’m gonna stay on the battlefield,
I’m gonna stay on the battlefield till I die.
I’m gonna stay on the battlefield,
I’m gonna stay on the battlefield,
I’m gonna stay on on the battlefield till I die.
I’m gonna stay on bended knee,
I’m gonna stay on bended knee,
I’m gonna stay on bended knee till I die.
I’m gonna stay on bended knee,
I’m gonna stay on bended knee,
I’m gonna stay on bended knee till I die.
