Uplifted In Spite Of!

The contrary ways of the world can bring us down if we allow them to do so. We must stay focused on what matters most in order to maintain the COURAGE to press on and RISE ABOVE it all. Someone has said, “True courage is like a kite; a contrary wind raises it higher.” [source: list of sentence sermons]

When Paul made his last trip to Jerusalem, quite a COMMOTION WAS RAISED. He was accused (based on suppositions) of things for which he was not guilty. ( Acts 21:28-29) This WIND of accusation STIRRED UP the whole city and Paul was dragged from the temple. ( Acts 21:30) Roman soldiers came onto the scene, but because of the UPROAR they were unable to gain any facts regarding the situation. ( Acts 21:34) As Paul was about to be CARRIED AWAY to the barracks he asked permission to speak ( Acts 21:37ff), but it was not long before voices were once again RAISED AGAINST him with cloaks being thrown off and dust thrown into the air. ( Acts 22:22-23) Quite a STORMY AND UNSETTLING SITUATION. When the soldiers stretched Paul out to flog him in order to try to find out what was going on, he revealed his Roman citizenship, and the next day the Jewish council came together and Paul was brought out. ( Acts 22:24-30). When Paul spoke again, a great DIVISION AROSE between the Pharisees and Sadducees, reaching such a VIOLENT point there was fear Paul would be torn to pieces and so was brought back into the barracks. ( Acts 23:7-10) However, Paul was exhorted by the Lord to “TAKE COURAGE” ( Acts 23:11) in spite of the winds of opposition that were growing. The Lord had a plan that included Paul’s testifying about Him not only as he had done there in Jerusalem, but also in Rome.

Even while writing as a prisoner in Rome, Paul remained COURAGEOUS. To the church at Philippi he wrote…
“(19) for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, (20) as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that WITH FULL COURAGE NOW AS ALWAYS CHRIST WILL BE HONORED in my body, WHETHER BY LIFE OR BY DEATH.” ( Philippians 1:19-20 ESV)

For Paul, it didn’t matter how the WIND WAS BLOWING, his resolve remained the same. His desire was to always maintain the COURAGE to honor Christ regardless of what he faced, be it life or death. The COURAGE of Paul that seemed to rise HIGHER AND HIGHER the stronger the WINDS of opposition grew, lifted him to a position where the example of his life was noticeable and in turn encouraged others to be “more confident in the Lord” ( Philippians 1:14) in spite of his imprisonment.

As we face the challenges to our faith, are we allowing ourselves to be blown down or lifted up higher? May we recognize the impact our own COURAGE can have on others as we keep our trust in the Lord to help us SOAR ABOVE the world’s opposition.

Have a great day KEEPING THE WINGS OF FAITH SPREAD TO SOAR!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Courage