If You’re Down

Are you down or discouraged? Do you feel the heaviness of oppression? Do you feel betrayed? If so, the apostle Paul can relate. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 he recounts what he experienced while serving Christ.

“In far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers 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. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.”

After reading Paul’s experiences you may wonder how Paul continued day after day. We find his answer in Romans 15:5.

“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement…”

There we have it. Paul knew Jesus as One who gives perseverance and encouragement. We can, too, by going to Jesus in prayer, opening our Bibles, and hearing from Him.

Lord Jesus, You are a God of ENCOURAGEMENT. Help us keep our eyes on You and our ears open to Your encouragement so we persevere in a way that glorifies You as Paul did.