If Paul is the model, Christianity is not for the faint of heart! Prison, whippings, death threats, beatings, stoning, shipwreck, robbers, hunger and more. Add to those the mental health component—worry about the churches and the strength of the believers.
I don’t know about you, but I avoid pain, worry and conflict. I think positive and focus on the good. And sometimes that’s good. There’s no point in looking for trouble or taking every slight to heart. But sometimes I’m ignoring pain, pushing down grief, pretending all is well and sabotaging healing in the process. Troubles serve an important purpose in our lives. Troubles drive us to our knees. And God never leaves us to carry our burdens alone. God shows unending love and mighty power again and again when we ask for help, protection or wisdom. When Paul boasts of the things that show his weakness, it’s because those are the things that show God’s power. Like Paul, we have the power to face hard things because we have the same source of power.
Lord, thank you for walking with me through the tough times. Help me to trust that you are always near. And when you bring me through, help me to remember that the glory is all yours. Amen. —