𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝟗:𝟏𝟔 𝐊𝐉𝐕 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞’𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐞.
Today’s Devotional…
The apostle Paul, after his great encounter with Christ, was not given some lofty promises, but God sent His servant Ananias to show him “what things he MUST SUFFER.” Ponder…
This was not a figure of speech. In 2Corinthians 11:23-27, the apostle actually confesses to being beaten, imprisoned, threatened with death, stoned, shipwrecked, and worse.
So, Paul indeed suffered even in Christ. This is contrary to what many churches today profess. They project your coming to Christ as a one-way ticket to the end of all of life’s challenges. No, this is not true.
The fact that you are awakened to the finished works of Christ does not in any way imply that your suffering in this world has ended. The gospel simply opens your eyes to see and approach life from an advantaged perspective. Abba Father!
In Christ, you have eternal rest. This is rest from works that are intended to make you righteous only. Your righteousness in Christ is Christ’s, and it is free. But apart from this gift, you still have to work to sustain your life here on earth, even in Christ. Ponder…
The difference is this; when you are awakened to the realities in Christ, even though you may be troubled on every side, you will not be distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but you will certainly not be destroyed (2Corinthians :8-9)
So, stop waiting for miracles to change your situation. The greatest miracle you will ever receive is righteousness. And if only you knew what you could do with righteousness… Oh!
May the Holy Spirit enlighten the eyes of your understanding, comfort you, and strengthen you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
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