I know who it is in whom I have trusted, and am confident of his power to keep safe what he has put into my charge, until the great Day. 2 Tim. 1:12, N.E.B.

When Paul wrote these words, he was only a short time and distance from sudden death at the hands of the Romans. He speaks here of the certainty of his eternal destiny. We are to be overwhelmingly certain about our relationship with God, in the sure realization of what He has wrought in our lives. The question of certainty is quite a problem for many. Youth in particular want to he sure. Adults look for a strong staff to lean on.

God desires to produce in us an eminent Christian character. This is the day for the noblest and the best in life. Our faith is intended to produce in us a passion for purity, honesty, and Christlikeness. Everything noble in our lives springs from our identification with Him. He makes its strong to resist corruptions, sustains its to endure trials and sorrows, inspires its to make the greatest sacrifices in His service. "The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Dan. 11:32).

Commitment to Christ makes for a strong character, with certainty of life and purpose in the world. Weakness and sinfulness are the characteristics of uncertain men. Certainty in Christ makes us brave and obedient unto death, with a constancy and valor greater than all the armies of the world.

At Pentecost the timid, weak, uncertain fishermen and tax collector became the majestic apostles, whose mighty witness and work began to change the face of the world and to establish the Christian church. Ever since that time there have been sure and certain Christians.

When Christ walks beside us and His life lives within us, we are men and women with a plus. Christ compels us to be more than we have ever been before. We are committed to be more in life and work and witness than we knew was possible before we met Him. Christ puts divine certainty into our hearts. We have more of the love of Christ in our hearts than before. We can go the second mile and more. We are sure that Christ makes all the difference in the life we live.