Scripture for Today: I Timothy 1:19 “holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.”

In 1620 the Mayflower set sail for a new land with high hopes to start a life free from religious restrictions.  Originally, another ship sailed with her named “Speedwell” but twice, proved unseaworthy because of leaks appearing.  Its master, Mr. Reynolds, was suspected of having caused those leaks, motivated by fear of starving in America.  The Mayflower continued on enduring a very rough crossing.  But despite crashing high waves that fractured a main support beam, the passengers survived to begin their new life.

Today’s verse is from a charge given by Paul to a young Timothy.  Faith is something that can be shipwrecked.  Our doubts and fears can cause us to poke holes in our faith and cause it to slowly leak out.  We are to hold on to what we know is true with a good conscience.  We do not allow ourselves to be plagued with guilt for sin that has been confessed and forgiven.

No one is exempt from shipwrecking their faith.  Timothy, even as a leader in the church, is warned.   It is easy for me to become overconfident about my faith, until those crashing waves come overboard.   I need to hold on tightly when I am rocked by circumstances that make no sense and tempt me to doubt.  I need to hold on firmly to the word of life so as not to capsize (Phil. 2:16).  And I can hold on to what is good and reject every kind of evil (I Thes. 5:21-22) so I can have that good conscience.  I have His promises to keep me firm and on course.

Lord, keep me holding on tightly to my faith in You.