I spend way too much time in the what ifs of my life or my loved ones. As I have been studying Acts these past weeks, it occurs to me that Paul doesn’t seem to spend much time there. Paul enters each city, ready for the discussion and knowing the suffering may come. In fact, his followers protected him quite frequently from the ire of leaders and crowds. He was ready to step in.
He begins his ministry with these words of Jesus spoken over him:
“But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is a [deliberately] chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will make clear to him how much he must suffer and endure for My name’s sake.””
Acts 9:15-16 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/act.9.15-16.AMP
We have a front door to see Paul’s life and what he endured for the sake of the Name. Here’s the list.
“Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they [self-proclaimed] servants of Christ?—I am speaking as if I were out of my mind—I am more so [for I exceed them]; with far more labors, with far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, and often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent adrift on the sea; many times on journeys, [exposed to] danger from rivers, danger from bandits, danger from my own countrymen, danger from the Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger on the sea, danger among those posing as believers; in labor and hardship, often unable to sleep, in hunger and thirst, often [driven to] fasting [for lack of food], in cold and exposure [without adequate clothing]. Besides those external things, there is the daily [inescapable] pressure of my concern for all the churches.”
2 Corinthians 11:22-28 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/2co.11.22-28.AMP
I have started this paragraph at least five times. I include this list for me. I am reminded that:
“For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us! For [even the whole] creation [all nature] waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed.”
Romans 8:18-19 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/rom.8.18-19.AMP
My eyes can fixate on problems that haven’t happened or could possibly happen. My heart can become sick with worry and fear. You know what i am finding? I am finding with physical pain, I cannot focus on too much else. I have to clear my mind and relax. Remind myself of truth.
I write this post today for me. I am reminded of the words of Jesus.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”
John 16:33 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.16.33.AMP
Peace comes when I fix my eyes. this world before me has tribulation, distress and suffering, but I choose this day to rest my heart on courage and joy. Jesus has overcome the world. Jesus’ conquest has been accomplished and victory holds me close. Glory is coming. I am a child of God.
Teach my heart, Lord Jesus.
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