Experience!

Life is filled with many varying experiences. These experiences can either make us or break us. They can make us better or make us bitter. They can save us or cave us. Though some are able to learn from experience, others seem to be unable to recover from it. Do we know where to focus when the going gets tough?

Paul suffered many things throughout his ministry which probably could have easily caused some to withdraw to some corner and throw themselves a pity party. (note 2 Corinthians 11:23-33) Considering the severity of some of those experiences, perhaps we wouldn’t blame them. Even before Paul (then known as Saul) was baptized it was noted he would suffer much for the Name of Christ. ( Acts 9:16) Nevertheless Paul did not allow those experiences to get him down.

Note Paul’s attitude as expressed to the church at Rome.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are NOT WORTH COMPARING WITH THE GLORY THAT IS TO BE REVEALED TO US.” ( Romans 8:18 ESV)

There was a GREATER GLORY to which Paul continued to look. He knew grander things were coming and the experiences would be worth it all. With his focus fixed on the GLORY yet to be revealed, Paul pressed on for the sake of Christ and the ministry of the Gospel.

Though Paul had a firm resolve to press on, he still seemed very much aware of how others might perceive his sufferings and the impact the sight could have on their faith. Perhaps some would shrink back from the faith as they took note of the cost of discipleship exhibited in Paul’s life.

To the church at Ephesus Paul wrote…
“So I ask you NOT TO LOSE HEART OVER WHAT I AM SUFFERING for you, WHICH IS YOUR GLORY.” ( Ephesians 3:13 ESV)

There is a battle raging between good and evil; between right and wrong. We need to stand firm as “a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” ( 2 Timothy 2:3) May we be encouraged by the bold faith of Paul and in spite of the experiences we might undergo for the sake of Christ, let us also press on recognizing the greater experience of an eternity with God. Though it may not seem so now, we will eventually see that all the challenges of this life will not be worth comparing to the GLORY that is to come.

Have a great day KNOWING IT WILL SURELY BE WORTH IT ALL!
Carl

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