The Apostle Paul is a great example to us of what a
forgiving person acts like when persecuted. He was arrested multiple times, five
different times the Jewish leaders gave him thirty-nine lashes, three times he
was beaten with rods, once he was stoned and left for dead, three times he was
shipwrecked, once he spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea.
He was constantly on the move to preach the gospel and to
escape persecution. Paul was in danger from rivers, from bandits, from his own
countrymen and from many Gentiles. He was in danger in the city, in the
country, at sea and in danger from false brothers. He was hungry and thirsty
and often went without any food at all. He shivered in the cold, without enough
clothing to keep him warm.
Paul worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights.
Then, besides all of this, he had the daily burden of his concern for all of
the churches, which he planted (2 Corinthians 11: 24-28). Yet in
spite of these horrendous issues, he forgave his persecutors and he trusted God
to give him everything he really needed. In fact, Paul was in Rome awaiting
trial, under house arrest and chained to a Roman soldier when he wrote to us to
rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4).
He exhorted us from his deprivation to rejoice always.
Regardless of our circumstances, if we live in America, we have more than
enough motivation in our life to rejoice. Ultimately, Paul viewed life from
God’s eternal perspective, which shed a whole new light on his situation. Paul
explains to us how to have a fulfilled life in Christ.
He reminds us that the Lord is near, and our gentleness
should be evident to everyone. He tells us that the way to do this is not to be
anxious about anything. In fact, he advises us to present your requests to God
in thankful prayer. He promises that if we do this, then God’s peace, which
exceeds our human understanding, will protect our heart and mind in Christ
Jesus (Philippians 4:5-7).
Prayer:
Father God, the reason we find it hard to rejoice in our
circumstances like Paul did is that we do not have the eternal perspective of
life, which he maintained. We keep our focus on the earthly, carnal, material
aspects of our life rather than on the spiritual, eternal ones. We do not have
to wait until heaven to enjoy an intimate, personal relationship with You. You
are with us now and even until the end of this age (Matthew 28:20).
Thought for the Day:
We can make the choice right now to fully surrender our
will to God’s, and to live with a completely spiritual commitment, focus and
lifestyle.