Frankly Speaking
Are you going though a season of testing right now? Are you having your share of difficult days? Does it seem like you're never going to get a break? Well you're not alone, in fact you are in pretty good company. The apostle Paul had his share of bad days as well; "Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea." That's quite a resume I'd say, but the list goes on, "I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 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." 2Co 11:25-27 Paul wasn't complaining, he was exhorting us. Through all of these trials Paul never lost sight of the big picture. He realized that his suffering was not for naught because of the high calling that was on his life. He knew he was never alone and that in the end God's purpose would be revealed and the glory would be all His. We have the same assurance that Paul did. Trials not only strengthen us, they give opportunity for God to be shown strong. So, instead of complaining when things get tough, fix your eyes on Jesus, never forgetting that you were called by Him and those that He calls He strengthens. Your perseverance and testimony will be an encouragement for others who are watching. "Your mess will become your message."- Max Lucado
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2Co 4:8-10
Pastor Frank Dodson
Are you going though a season of testing right now? Are you having your share of difficult days? Does it seem like you're never going to get a break? Well you're not alone, in fact you are in pretty good company. The apostle Paul had his share of bad days as well; "Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea." That's quite a resume I'd say, but the list goes on, "I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 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." 2Co 11:25-27 Paul wasn't complaining, he was exhorting us. Through all of these trials Paul never lost sight of the big picture. He realized that his suffering was not for naught because of the high calling that was on his life. He knew he was never alone and that in the end God's purpose would be revealed and the glory would be all His. We have the same assurance that Paul did. Trials not only strengthen us, they give opportunity for God to be shown strong. So, instead of complaining when things get tough, fix your eyes on Jesus, never forgetting that you were called by Him and those that He calls He strengthens. Your perseverance and testimony will be an encouragement for others who are watching. "Your mess will become your message."- Max Lucado
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2Co 4:8-10
Pastor Frank Dodson
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