Courage To Face Life?s Trials
Please open your Bible and read:
(2 Timothy 4:6 – 18)
Scriptural details of Paul’s life reveal the courageous way the apostle handled his many trials. He was opposed by religious leaders, manhandled by magistrates, and mobbed by large crowds. Yet through it all, he stood firm in his allegiance to Christ. Before dismissing him as superhuman, let’s look at Paul’s own testimony. He said he came to the Corinthians in weakness, and he spoke with fear and trembling. (1 Corinthians 2:3) He claimed that he had been pushed far beyond his ability to endure. (2 Corinthians 1:8) In fact, his emotions were so strong that the Lord exhorted him not to be afraid. He was human just like us.
What did Paul know that would also help us? Wherever the apostle was, God was personally present. Paul believed Jesus’ promise to be with him to the end of time. (Matthew 28:20) He trusted in the guiding presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit, and he also took heart from the Lord’s reassurance of His nearness. (Acts 18:9) Although it appeared that Paul stood alone before his accusers, he recognized he was actually in the Lord’s company. With God Almighty standing beside him, he did not have to be afraid.
Because we belong to Jesus Christ, we can know for certain that our God is always with us. We, too, have the Savior’s unending pledge of nearness and the Holy Spirit as our permanent companion. As we embrace these truths, we will discover the courage to face life’s trials.
What a precious blessing: God is with me. I feel braver already. What about you?
About the Author
This article was written by Charles Stanley. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/charles-stanley/
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