MAY 11, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

Paul was a diligent servant of God. He set up many churches in different places. He worked hard to take care of the many church members. He went through many difficulties because of his faith. Some of these are written in today’s text - being beaten, put in prison, stoned, shipwrecked, being in danger from thieves, from strangers and from his own people. There were times he had no rest , had no food or drink, and suffered from the cold.

How do you think someone who has suffered the above scenarios would feel? Would he or she still be happy or full of joy? What if you were not given enough food, punished for no fault of yours, or put through physical danger? Would you like it? Of course not!

However, Paul did not fret. Paul was not unhappy. Of course, he would rather not have difficulties, but he knew that through difficulties, he would be brought closer to God. Also, he knew that he was suffering all these for the sake of Jesus. That is why he could say in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice”. To rejoice is to have joy.

Sometimes God allows unpleasant things to happen to you. Why? There are many reasons: to increase your faith; to remind you to always pray, to help you trust God more, or to test whether you will continue to love God in spite of difficulties.

If you are tested with difficult circumstances, would you still have joy?

Are you able to sing this song, and mean it?
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart, Down in my heart, Down in my heart,
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart, Glory to His Name!

Thought: Do I throw a tantrum when I don’t get my way?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to rejoice in You always, even when things go wrong. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.