Strength Through Suffering 11.30.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are completing our studies on the book of II Corinthians, please read Chapters 9-13 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%209-13&version=9

Today we are reading about Paul's spiritual authority, a warning against false teachers; Paul's suffering; the thorn in his flesh; and his plans to visit Corinth. Today's message focuses on the importance of seeking God through suffering. Jesus is the strength that we need to endure all of our suffering.

Often when we are suffering we are inclined to think that no one can understand what we are going through. One may be facing the death of a loved one, sickness, addiction, terminal cancer or disease, divorce, unemployment, or eviction. During intense suffering such as these we tend to feel a sense of loneliness that fills our plagues our thoughts. For some it means the loss of one with whom to share life's joys and even share the discoveries we have as we read our Bible.

Paul often faced much suffering from hostile enemies of Christ and occasionally from believers as well. He mentiones some of those sufferings, "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches." (II Corinthians 11:24-28). After his conversion, Paul lived with only one purpose, to preach the Gopel to the lost.

We too have the high calling to reach the lost with the Gospel, to reach out in love to all people with the Good News of eternal life. Surely everyone should have the opportunity of hearing, at least once, that at death they are destined to either eternal death in the lake of fire or eternal life in heaven. Someone may be very likable and a good citizen, but the dividing line between the saved and the lost is dependent on one fact. Have they repented of their sins and received Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives.

Paul prayed three times to remove the thorn from his flesh, "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (12:7-9). The thorn represented his suffering and although God didn't answer his prayer as he expected He did tell him that His grace is enough, through our weaknesses we become stronger and Christ gives us the strength to endure all suffering. God answers all prayers according to our needs and we are to glory God through all of our suffering. Jesus is with us and although we do not understand it at the time we must realize that God is in control. It is up to us to make a decision whether or not to be held capitive to our suffering or to release it over to God and let Him comfort and set us free.

One thing I would like to point out is that we do not always suffer due to sin, often we suffer in order to grow a stronger relationship with God. Take Job for instance, this was a godly man who lost everything he had, children, health, and fortune. The devil thought that Job would cave and curse God if he lost all that he had. Instead he praised God and as he did he became stronger and overcame all his suffering which resulted in him being blessed even more than before. God never puts anything before us that we can not handle and all we have to remember is that Jesus is suffering with us and will give us the strength to overcome every bit of it.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
You reign over all the earth and You also reign in my heart! What an awesome blessing this truth brings to me today. As I consider that it is not by my might, nor by my power, but by the Spirit of the Lord that my personal mountains are removed. Jesus, I know that many of the mountains I face are not just blown away by a simple prayer of faith, but these mountains are often the very essence of how You work through my life to reveal Your faithfulness and Your power in the midst of my struggles. You develop godly character as I am challenged to remain steadfast and faithful in my Christian walk. You make my feet like hind’s feet and You make me to walk upon high places. Help me to keep my gaze continually upward during the climb so that I see You reigning on Your throne as I bring You glory and honor! In your mighty name, Jesus I pray......Amen.

Enjoy your Sunday and be blessed.
God Bless,
Christina

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