This is what God tells us in 1 Timothy 1:9. God saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. George MyIne reminds us that this truth, “This is to humble you — as well as to exalt you. This is to make you weep — as well as cause you to rejoice. You are vile in yourself — but chosen to indescribable honor! You are poor in yourself — but chosen to unspeakable riches! You are naked in yourself — but chosen to eternal glory!” Remember that Jacob was not blessed because he was a man of God. Jacob became a man of God because he was blessed. That is the same for all of us. We need to remember this truth. Paul reminded Timothy of this fact while Paul was suffering for preaching the gospel. He did not want Timothy to become ashamed of the man who he is following. Paul said he was not ashamed of suffering, because he knew who he believed and he was convinced that Jesus was able to guard what was entrusted to him. May we know those same truths and have that same conviction.