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December 5th

The bible reading for today is in 2 Corinthians 5-9.

“For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:4‬

What is the tent that Paul refers to? Our earthly bodies.

And as long as we humans live in our earthly bodies, we will suffer, even we who are in Christ...we will be burdened with physical afflictions...we will groan under sicknesses, disease, disasters, pain, and discomfort. It’s just part of doing life in these bodies.

And what does God say through Paul to the afflicted believer? “walk by faith, not by sight.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:7‬

Trust God to use the affliction for his purposes and his glory. Trust God that the measure of our affliction has been measured out perfectly by Him. Trust God to get you through the affliction in his timing.

Walk by faith in God...not by what you can see and understand...but rather by what God has promised... "to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Let’s listen to another part of Paul’s personal journey testimony...“Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:8-9‬

Paul has been away from his family and friends and church home in Antioch Syria for eight to ten years by this time. He has ministered in Asia, Macedonia, Greece, and back to Ephesus for a long stay. He has seen God at work and many saved.

But He has also experienced opposition many times. He has been threatened, harrassed, stoned, put in stocks, and imprisoned for his gospel missionary ministry.

It should not surprise us to hear Paul speak of courage...Jesus on mission courage. Lord, give us your courage so that we will be ready to confess you as Lord even when we face death for our faith.

Paul said that he and his missionary band would much rather be in heaven. To them, heaven was always better. But these missionaries shared another desire. They wanted to be a pleasure to Jesus, whether they were at home with the Lord or on the mission trail spreading the gospel and planting churches. Lord, may their desire be our ambition too.

Have a great day