By Dr. Dianne Coflin, Co-Pastor, River of Life Church
I was reflecting today on some things Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians. What a life he led! It seemed no matter what difficulty he went through, he was always able to see things from a totally different perspective! I believe it was so KEY to his ENDURANCE!
He wrote “We are hedged in (pressed) on ever side (troubled and oppressed in every way), but NOT CRAMPED or CRUSHED. We suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and UNABLE to find a way out, but NOT DRIVEN TO DESPAIR. We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), BUT NOT DESERTED (to stand alone). We are struck down to the ground, BUT NEVER STRUCK OUT AND DESTROYED.“
Nevertheless, his perspective on this was these were momentary LIGHT afflictions. His reference to to a light affliction meant he saw these things as a SLIGHT (distress of the passing hour.) Why was Paul’s perspective so important in what he walked through? We see a key In 2 Timothy 2:3 he says, “ENDURE HARDNESS (trouble, hardships & afflictions) AS A good SOLDIER of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
When you ENDURE hardness as a SOLDIER, this means that whatever you are going through in battle you undergo WITHOUGHT YIELDING to the enemy. When we think of our soldiers today we are reminded of the terrific sacrifice they make for our country, many who have given their lives. Their training began in boot camp with many hardships. In fact it is my understanding it’s during that time that many soldiers aren’t able to qualify as it requires tremendous endurance. Much like Paul spoke about.
But when you are enduring as a SOLDIER OF JESUS CHRIST this means you are ENCAMPED by a troop of ANGELS THE CELESTIAL HOST! Paul was able to see that no matter what he WENT through HE HAD AN ANGELIC ARMY that fought WITH him TO HELP HIM GET THROUGH! That’s why he could say, “For the things which are SEEN are TEMPORARY (subject to change), BUT the things which are NOT SEEN are eternal!”
He later wrote, “He has delivered me out of ALL my afflictions!”
Be encouraged today that what you are going through is SUBJECT TO CHANGE!! Food for thought!
Pastor Dianne, Coflin Co-Pastor
River of Life Church
410 East Chapman Road
Lutz, Florida
We would love to have you visit! 10:30 Sunday morning, 7:30 Wednesday night, Childcare provided!
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