The Apostle Paul went through some hard times. Shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment. Time after time, God spoke to Paul in the middle of his trials and tribulations. He was in jail in Jerusalem when Jesus told him, “Be courageous” (Acts 23:11). Paul told Timothy (2 Tim4:16) “All deserted me…but the Lord stood by me”. In Acts 27, the Lord came and spoke to Paul in the middle of a storm and assured him it would all be ok. That is why Paul could accept God’s word to him in 2 Corinthians 12::8 after he had pleaded with the Lord to take away what he called “a thorn in the flesh”. God said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”.
During this season when circumstances seem to be changing on a daily basis – just when you think things are going to get better, they get worse again, may I encourage you with the words of Paul. He said that he could endure the things that happened to him, because God’s power could work best in his weaknesses. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
I pray that you will be continually strengthened and encouraged by the word of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Remember God’s strength is shown when we admit our weakness and allow him to work on our behalf to bring about the victory. The Corona Virus may seem like Paul’s thorn in the side – we have prayed, and proclaimed, and declared, but it has continued to wreak havoc, especially in our state capital. Remember the other thing Paul said, “I have learnt whatever state I am in to be content”. (:-) ).
Sometimes, we need to just remember, whether we are in the storm, or whether things are going well, he is with us, and will bring us through. How has God shown you his strength throughout this season? It is through adversity that we find out what we are really made of. We develop our spiritual faith muscles and build our character and grow up inside as we learn how to face difficulty, depending on God’s grace.
Why don’t you take a few moments to slow down, breath, reflect, listen, and see what God is saying to you as you face this crisis, not alone, but with Jesus’ grace to strengthen and encourage you.
Pastor Glenda