Hardships

The apostle Paul was a tremendous man of God. He wasn't always, but God helped him to become great. How did Paul become some a man of God? I believe the answer is found in Paul's writing in the book of 2 Corinthians.

We read this: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Often the greatest growth we experience is in the hardships of life. No one ever looks forward to them, if they do they must think much different than I do that's for sure. There are times when I need to put myself in those challenging places in order for God's true strength to be revealed in my weakness.

Going on a mission trip to a place like Haiti or somewhere that I do not have all the comforts of home is good for me. When I do those types of things, I have to really trust Him. I also become very appreciative of all I have. That way when I come home and I have to suffer some inconveniences, I don't have to grumble or complain.

Tonight is another one of those nights. The temperature is -20 or so and that is cold. Yet I am truly looking forward to going out and trying to serve those in our city who might just need a warm bowl of soup or a cup of hot coffee. I am glad that I have the promise from the Lord that He will be with me. He will strengthen me, He will uphold me.

Today I received an email from a man that really blessed me, especially with his attitude. His situation is that he has been told to report to the hospital in the morning because he just had tests taken that reveal he has a prostrate problem, potentially very devastating. This is what he wrote: God is the potter, I am the clay,Whatever He does with me is OK!!!!

I do believe that this brother understands the words of scripture: My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

What are you and I dealing with in life? What about the people we are serving in this ministry. Will you join me in praying this scripture over yours and their situations? God make us all strong in you!!