29/05/2015 - DEATH SENTENCE

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Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.  2 Corinthians 1.9

There are things that happen to the saints that scandalize those who are still not strong in their walk with Christ, leading many to abandon their faith in Jesus. However, where can these people run to, if only in the name of Jesus there is refuge, safety and power to free us from the enemies’ attack? (Psalm 46.1). “Abandon the ship” is all the devil wants you to do, that way he can complete his work of destruction in your life.

Difficult situations occur in our life as tests allowed by the Lord. He knows how strong and mature we need to be in Him and, because of that, He allows us to be salted with fire (Mark 9.49). Therefore, do not get desperate or afraid if trials come one after the other and with great force. Now, God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can handle (1 Corinthians 10. 13)

It’s important to say that Paul was not in sin; much to the contrary, in Listra, the apostle was in God’s presence in such a way, that he spoke the gospel in a powerful way, to the point where a man with damaged feet, since birth, was healed (Acts 14.8-10). However, right after that, trials came and, when he least expected, many people started stoning him until he seemed dead. He came back to life after a group of disciples surrounded him (v. 19,20)

The apostle needed to grow to accomplish God’s will for his life, for even those who are used by God need to learn not to trust in themselves. In eternity, God will explain us the reasons of why we went through so many trials. It is important not to get angry, not to complain or ask Him to “leave us alone”, because, without a doubt, our prize will be great

Paul said that the trials he faced in Asia were beyond his strength, to the point of even being desperate for his life (2 Corinthians 1.8). However, for all eternity, he will be rewarded for his love and faithfulness. He knew how to be a servant, and because of that, God will reward him. Keep in mind that the Almighty chose you to be His disciple; therefore, He will teach in the way He chose you to walk.

The battle to take the gospel where Christ is not yet known is not easy. It is fought by people who love Jesus more than their own lives, by those who don’t care about things of this world.  Paul did not fear what he was doing, and when he got surrounded by people that stoned him with hate, he thought his time was coming; however, that was just a lesson that God had for him.

That stoning session was intense, because the stoning would not stop until they considered him dead. However, he came back to life, since he learned to trust in God who raises the dead. It doesn’t matter what you will come to suffer for the love of Jesus; never resign your faith, event when trials are hard to bare.

In Christ, with love, 

R. R. Soares