Down But Not Out!

When we look at the life of Paul, time and again there were people and situations which seem to have attempted to KNOCK him DOWN. However, Paul just kept getting back up. Even when he was literally KNOCKED DOWN by stones and left for dead, he got back up and continued in his service to God. (Acts
14:19-20) When he was KNOCKED DOWN he was not down for the count. And even when Paul was imprisoned, he was not completely KNOCKED OUT of service. (i.e. Philippians 1:12-13; 2 Timothy 2:9-10)

Someone has said, “When life knocks us to our knees, we are in a perfect position to pray.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie]

Writing from prison to the church at Ephesus, Paul encouraged…
“(13) So I ask you NOT TO LOSE HEART OVER WHAT I AM SUFFERING FOR YOU, which is your glory. (14) FOR THIS REASON I BOW MY KNEES BEFORE THE FATHER, (15) from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, (16) that according to the riches of his glory HE MAY GRANT YOU TO BE STRENGTHENED WITH POWER THROUGH HIS SPIRIT IN YOUR INNER BEING, (17) so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith -- that you, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, (19) and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” ( Ephesians 3:13-19 ESV)

Paul was a man of prayer. That continual connection with God was His source of strength to keep on keeping on regardless of what he faced. His constant desire was that he would have sufficient courage to honor Christ whether it be by life or death. ( Philippians 1:20) And as he was encouraged by the prayers of others he continually prayed for them that they too would be encouraged and have sufficient strength to press on in faith.

Whether this life KNOCKS US to our knees, flat out with face to the ground, or flat on our back looking up -- we are in a perfect position for prayer. May we find it to be the great source of strength experienced by Paul in his continual pressing on to the eternal goal of the upward call of God in Christ. ( Philippians 3:14)

Have a great day STRENGTHENED TO PRESS ON IN CHRIST!
Carl

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