Daily Devotional for Wednesday, October 7
The Pain
“But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings,” 2 Corinthians 6:4, 5.
In many new jobs, there is a probation period in which you are trained, but you also must show that you can do the job. Some places may put you through certain tests to see how well you will handle different situations. This is also done to show your own seriousness.
Paul was called to be a minister of God, and as a minister, he wanted to show that in his ministry he would be willing to go through anything it would take for the gospel to be known and heard. Paul knew God entrusted him with the gospel, and Paul took this very seriously.
First, Paul said with “much patience.” This is not patience as in waiting for something, but patience as in enduring hardships—not giving up while going through the other things this verse mentions. Paul went through many afflictions, suffering greatly in different circumstances. He also went through situations when he was in need or distress. This does not mean God was not with him, for that would go against God’s promise that says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).
Paul went through many things for the cause of Christ. He was beaten more than once. He was put in stocks. He was put in prison. Sometimes he was in the center of an angry mob for the preaching of the gospel. He went through hard physical and emotional labor. There were sleepless nights and times he had no choice but to fast because of lack of food.
Paul’s attitude was such as Romans 8:18: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Something to Think About
Living for Christ can be very difficult, but are you willing to endure for a greater glory.
Karry Irizarry