Today’s Reading:
2 Corin. 4:7-12 (8)
"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed; but not in despair."
(v. 8 KJV)
Preaching the gospel is power of God. By using frail and expendable people, God is confirming to us that salvation is the result of his power and not of any through whom he chooses to proclaim the gospel (2:16). The great power of God overcomes and transcends the clay pot. Our weaknesses are essential in the task God has placed before us (12:9-10).
Paul is telling us here that the power of God released through preaching of the gospel is what sustained him and worked through him to bring life to others. The power of God inside of us is greater than the pressure of problems, challenges, persecution or oppression in the world. In him who strengthens us we are more than conqueror. In him who strengthens us we can do all things. In him who strengthens us we have joy. Throughout his ministry, Paul was exposed to series of dangers, opposition, persecution and death itself; but in all he experienced the saving grace and power of Christ's life at work in him and through him.
In Christ Jesus we are like an inflatable plastic punching dummy which when punched several times, stands up because the bottom of it is overlaid with lead. The enemy is out to destroy the Christ in us; and we are not exempted from his punches. Our power to survive and overcome the onslaught of the enemy is in Christ that is in the inside of us. With full confidence in the sustaining power of God, we like Paul can say that, we are troubled on every side, but we are not crushed ... destroyed (vv. 9-10).
Fellow pilgrims, as we journey through life's deep waters of pain and suffering; let us embrace with unshaken confident truth the grace of God which is sufficient for us. We are also made strong in the inside by him that is in us (12:9). He is a healing balm for our souls.
Olufunmilayo Titilola Adekusibe
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your grace and power to see me through challenges of life. I anchor my trust on the overcoming strength of your power, in Jesus name.
Father deliver my soul from the sword and my destiny from the power of the dog, in Jesus name.
O God arise by the thunder of your power, save me from the lion's mouth and deliver me from the power of the mad cow, in Jesus name.
In the name of Jesus Christ as I make this confession of the word of God into my life, I believe and I receive the power that is in the word of God into my spirit, into my soul and into my body, in Jesus name.
Father uproot everything you have not planted in your church and revive your Pentecostal fire and power in Jesus name.
Father, thank you for sustaining Nigeria with your power and fire. Give our leaders fresh hopes, revelation, inspiration and direction to move the nation to the next level. Let there be love, peace and harmony of purpose, in Jesus name. Amen.
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