2 Corinthians 6:3-4
We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses.
As I write this I am listening to a gospel song that proclaims “I’m getting ready to leave this world.” Are we? I mean, are we truly looking forward to the day when we will say goodbye to the things of this world and enter our eternal home?
In studying the biographies of some of the greatest saints across the ages, I learn that they faced troubles. Many faced far greater troubles than I have ever faced. Not only that, they dealt with these troubles with confidence in Jesus.
Frequently I have heard ministers preach and teach a feel-good gospel. They seem to say that if you have enough faith you will never have to deal with sickness, pain, or catastrophic events. When I hear their teachings I want to shout out for them to read about the life of Paul. He endured more persecution than I can imagine, yet he was in the center of God’s will.
The discovery I’ve made is that we can have victory in the middle of the storms of life. I recall a song we used to sing when I was a teenager — “Troubles may come and troubles will go; we’ll trust in Jesus come weal or woe.” Now that is my aim in life. I know that there will be troubles, but my Jesus is in control.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil