“Three times I was shipwrecked,” 2 Corinthians 11:25 (ESV). Three times shipwrecked?! Why? Wasn’t once enough? Three times?! This was God’s call, not Paul’s choices. THE LORD God will call you to places you would not choose. Sometimes, repeatedly. What looks like personal mistakes can become the pathway for you turning someone else’s misery into the manifestation of God’s love and goodness. What is a more powerful, life-changing message? Being delivered FROM a set of problems or being delivered IN a set of problems where God is exalted, and Satan is defeated? God put Paul in the same horrible circumstances three times so Paul could confidently and honestly encourage each of us with these God-honoring, devil-destroying, soul-empowering words: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” Phil. 4:13 (ESV). As can I! As we all! Father Your Ways are Marvelous, Your Calling is Precious, and Your manifestation is Glorious!
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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