Hello Girls!
I was reading this today and I want so much to be like the apostle Paul, but sometimes I will honestly tell you that I end up in self pity. We must fight against this thinking with the word of God! Have you read what the apostle Paul went through and he was still joyful. If you have not read about him, here is some of it from scripture. I hope that it encourages you to read more Bible! Three 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, I 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. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 2 Corinthians 11:25-35
Paul was:
Persecuted in Damascus, he escaped in a basket (Acts 9:20-25).
Driven out of Jerusalem and sent to Tarsus (Acts 9:28-30).
He was stoned at Lystra and thought to have died (Acts 14:19).
Paul whipped and imprisoned at Phillipi (Acts 16:16-24).
Paul received five Jewish and three Roman scourgings (2 Corinthians 1 1:16-33).
Disputed with Peter (Galatians 2:14).
He was subject to a great tumult by Demetrius the silversmith (Acts 19:23-29).
Seized by the Jews and beaten (Acts 21:27-32).
Paul bound with chains (Acts 21:33).
He was persecuted for his mission to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21-23).
The Jews conspired to kill him (Acts 23:12-14).
The high priest conspired to kill Paul (Acts 25:1-3).
Paul is shipwrecked but all hands are saved (Acts 27:41-44).
Paul is bitten on the hand by a viper in Malta but survives (Acts 28:1-6).
Paul also speaks of his thorn in his side in other scripture...
I read the above and then read some of his letters to the churches after & during his suffering, like part of the one below. Paul rejoices, has hope, has courage, longs to be with Christ, but knows that he has much to do on this earth for the glory of the Lord. What has happened to Him serves to advance the gospel(Phillipians 1:12). Paul’s example can challenge us to endure our hardships in life more joyfully. Yes I know how this may not come easily. I do believe that staying in the word daily(The Bible) is the key to all this hope. When we are down, he lifts us up!! I speak from experience. It is hard, but we must rely on Him!
Here Paul inspired by God writes again:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13
Please read all of the book of Ephesians and all of Phillipians(New Testament) for more insight into Paul and his joy and what the Lord has told us written through Him. It is about 1/2 hour of reading.
Let us pray!
Love in Christ, Lori
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