Only once in Scripture, do we see the names of these two faithful women. Yet, through the writings of Paul we can see a wonderful picture of their character and faithfulness in the Lord.
2 Timothy 1:2-7 ~ Paul’s Encouragement to Timothy To Be Faithful
“To Timothy, my dear son. Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.” NIV
We are told in Acts chapter 16 verse 1, that young Timothy lived in Lystra, where his mother, Eunice, lived. Eunice was a Jewess and a believer and his father was a Greek (we do not know whether Timothy’s father was a believer). We can most certainly say that Lois and Eunice were believers. We can also say that Timothy’s grandmother Lois lived out her faith daily, because her daughter Eunice lived a life devoted to the Lord. Paul said, in his letter to Timothy, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and , I am persuaded, now lives in you also”.
The faith was passed down from generation, to generation. Two women who, together, were committed to preparing the next generation.
In 2 Timothy chapter 3 verses 14-15, we see more of the character and faithfulness of his mother and grandmother. We see something very important. Paul instructs Timothy to, “…continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus”.
It’s quite obvious that Lois and Eunice have been teaching Timothy about God since he was a very small boy. I can tell you from personal experience, that it is a difficult undertaking to start teaching your children the Holy Scriptures when they are in their teens. I was not equipped, nor was I a believer, when my children were small. After I did give my life to Christ, it was no easy undertaking to grow myself up spiritually, let alone my children. On the other hand, I can tell you from personal experience that nothing is impossible. My children, and myself are living proof that it is never too late. God has been truly marvelous. He has intervened in our lives and broken the chains of family rebellion and sin, so that we might pass on the faith from generation to generation.
Thoughts to Ponder
As a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend, I know that I have great influence on those around me. My life should be lived in accordance with my faith, each day, because I am Preparing The Next Generation.
Question to Ponder
Think about the message you are communicating to those around you. Will your child’s, or grandchild’s, friend say to them someday, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother and your mother“?
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