We so often look at our lives and struggle with what we may think are difficulties. We become discouraged, down heartened, or even self loathing.  We can’t see how to go one step further or face today’s burdens; yet, for those of us who know Christ–there is hope and there is joy.   Many times I have wished that I could be just a little more like Paul the Apostle as I see him–“a little superhuman in his faith and his strength”  We tend to think that all the Christians of his day would look up to him and follow his teachings; but, the truth is he was often rejected by “legalistic teachers” of his day. He had been rejected by many within the early church, criticized and condemned by the vary ones he desired to reach with the gospel of Christ.  He had been imprisoned, beaten, gone hungry, and physically grown weak, wearied with pain.  What was it that gave him the strength and the courage to keep going?  What was it that caused Paul to still declare that his “joy” was inextinguishable?

 

photo courtesy of @istock

In the midst of trials, what could make us live a life that says Christ is our every song of Joy?

Look at his description of all that he endured for the ministry.  Many in Corinth had bitterly criticized his ministry; yet, tired and wearied from life this was His response.

2 Corinthians 6: 3-10 (Phillips)As far as we are concerned we do not wish to stand in anyone’s way, nor do we wish to bring discredit on the ministry God has given us. Indeed we want to prove ourselves genuine ministers of God whatever we have to go through—patient endurance of troubles or even disasters, being flogged or imprisoned; being mobbed, having to work like slaves, having to go without food or sleep. All this we want to meet with sincerity, with insight and patience; by sheer kindness and the Holy Spirit; with genuine love, speaking the plain truth, and living by the power of God. Our sole defence, our only weapon, is a life of integrity, whether we meet honour or dishonour, praise or blame. Called “impostors” we must be true, called “nobodies” we must be in the public eye. Never far from death, yet here we are alive, always “going through it” yet never “going under”. We know sorrow, yet our joy is inextinguishable. We have “nothing to bless ourselves with” yet we bless many others with true riches. We are penniless, and yet in reality we have everything worth having.

If we look a little deeper into the words of Paul, we might gain strength to face whatever comes in our own lives.  What was in the center of his heart that caused him to continue on despite such criticism, rejection, and suffering?

 

1. For the Love of Christ. Because of Christ’s love for Paul, Christ’s gift of grace, and all that Christ had done to purchase Paul’s salvation; Paul had fallen in love with Christ.  He understood that nothing else mattered as much.  There was no greater treasure than Christ.  No greater joy than knowing Christ.  He was constrained and enslaved by the very love that Christ had given him.   2 Corinthians 5: 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us;

2.  Because of all that Christ had done for him, Paul understood that the eternity of a soul was more important than the comforts of this finite earthly journey. 1 Corinthians 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

3.   Paul saw his ministry as a gift given to him by Christ.  ” Ephesians 3: 1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,…7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

4.  Paul knew that his only true joy was found in God, through Christ.  Romans 5: we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Do you know the joy of your salvation, so that you are compelled to live out a life that demonstrates that joy–no matter what?    Listen closely to “I Will Love You”  and tell me can you say, “I will live a life that says you give me every song–you are my joy”

J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

J. B. Phillips, “The New Testament in Modern English”, 1962 edition by HarperCollins

© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba

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