Source Of Gladness
Paul's Hardships
3We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Reflection of Tommy:
We do think at times as Christian, we will be at least have an easier life compares to others. But in today’s passage, we learn how severe the things Paul have to gone through in his life, even though he is a very faithful servant of God. True joy depends not on the circumstances but the calm assurance of all the promises and hope we have with God. So, if we encounter any hardship, do remember God is beside us, giving us His sustaining grace, and be firm to stand true to Him to the end.
Dear Father, thank You for the hope and promises I have in You that keep me away from discontentment and worries. Forgive me of sometimes turning away from You when hardship overwhelmed my every ways. Teach me to seek You, drawing from Your strength and the guidance of the Spirit and experience Your presence with me through the thick and thin in my life. Keep me remain firm and faithful to You to the end. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
