Acts 27:23-24 (New International Version)
23 Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'
Philippians 4:11 (New International Version)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
2 Corinthians 11:24-26 (New International Version)
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.
2 Timothy 4:2 (New International Version)
2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Paul was an opportunist. He took advantage of every apparent opening to spread the Gospel, with no thought for his own well being or safety. Stoned, beaten, imprisoned, no matter. Paul was more than willing to put himself and his Jesus out there. What about us? In Paul’s time, Christianity was regarded as a sect. Paul preached the gospel in the face of unbelief, skepticism and overwhelming opposition. It’s plausible to think that in order for the church to be what it has become today, it took every bit of the sacrifice that Paul and believers of his day endured. What will the church of tomorrow be? How much are we willing to sacrifice in order to see the church of tomorrow flourish? Actually, I believe that when pressed, Christians will stand up. Christ will stand up in us and through us. I believe that. Historically, when the church is persecuted, it flourishes. Anything that drives us to our knees, that makes us call on the name of the Lord works to perfect us and to establish our witness in the earth. Trials refine our faith. With pressure, we become as resilient and as brilliant as diamonds. Glorious in his eyesight and in the eyes of the world. Bright and shining lights in a wicked time and place. Reservoirs of hope and healing to the lost and hopeless. Be encouraged this week my friends. Wherever you are on this journey, God’s not done with you yet. Paul had some New Testament to write from the solitude of prison. What does God have in store for you?
Blessings,
.wb
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