THE FAITH-LIFE AND TROUBLE -- Monday:
"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed" (2 Corinthians 4:8)
Circumstances can cause trouble. We have the advantage of an inspired interpretation of trouble – grievous trouble. Because he occupied a high station in the heavenly kingdom, the Apostle Paul experienced an unusual degree of trouble. Everywhere he went, there were disruption and heartache. Hear some of his testimony. " . . . far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers . . . robbers . . . my countrymen . . . the Gentiles . . . in the city . . . in the wilderness . . . on the sea . . . among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure . . ." (2 Cor 11:23-28, NASB).
It is difficult to conceive of a more troublesome life. Viewed from a little higher vantage, this was Satan attempting to drive Paul from the ministry. From an even higher viewpoint, it was the Lord proving the value and power of his faith. Paul declared his responses to these circumstances qualified him to work for the Lord. In a unique way, these were his credentials. In all of them, he was "more than a conqueror."
DYING TO THE WORLD ORDER. Earlier, Paul elaborated on the trouble he experienced. He saw it as a sort of counter- balance. He had received much from God, and thus he experienced unusual opposition from the flesh. " . . . we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed . . ." (2 Cor 4:7-11). In a way, trouble proved who he was and what he had. It was a confirmation he had been blessed by God.
TROUBLE FROM ALL SIDES. Paul's trouble came from every quarter. No rest was found as he labored for the Lord. "For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within" (2 Cor 7:5). The conclusion should be obvious: Paul was a threat to the kingdom of darkness! He was also being prepared for a marvelous inheritance. It is no different for God's laborers today. It is the same for you, dear child of God.
Erroneous doctrines also bring trouble to us. It is not fashionable to speak of this today, but we must do so anyway. Doctrines that do not center in Christ are troublesome. They disorient the soul, attack faith, and open the door for unbelief. This is particularly true of teachings that cause people to rest in Law or mere routine. Read the words of the Spirit and determine to avoid troubling doctrines. ". . . but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ" (Gal 1:7).
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for a message that strengthens, stabilizes, comforts, and equips Your children to pass through the valley of trouble.