Writing 2 Corinthians 11
Good morning. Paul continues to keep the brethren straight on who to listen to and to beware of those who may come along to deceive them. In doing this he goes on to tell about some of the things he went through:
“Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from the robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.”
I should reread these verses each time I am afraid of doing something for the Lord. Should I stop to help a stranger on the side of the road? Should I participate in a devotional? Should I let small ailments stop me? And I could go on. To remember that the physical discomforts are only temporary is hard when I am in the moment. To remember that spiritual is everlasting in the moment is hard.
Paul still felt pain, still felt anxiety, still felt suffering. He held on to God:
“If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.”
He held on to God as he went through these things and as he told them about it.
Hopefully, next time I am faced with fear, anxiety, suffering, etc, I will focus on God’s words and what is spiritual.
God is so Good!!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful day today!!
