November 13, 2024–Pastor Bill’s Reading Plan

Paul writes about his ministry not as a form of complaining, but rather offering praise to God for sustaining them.  The message of the Gospel carried forward no matter what circumstances they found themselves.  We can have the same ability to be difference makers for Christ no matter what is happening in our lives.  This doesn't mean we have to be happy about everything that takes place or pretend like nothing bothers us.  But rather, we find opportunity to see God no matter what is going on in our lives and find a way to represent him well no matter where we are.  It could be in a hospital bed; can we be a witness for Jesus in how we handle sickness and trust God? Maybe it is a rough job situation; can people see Christ in how you deal with the difficulties?  

Paul did not pretend like everything was all good all the time.  Sometimes we as Christians feel like admitting that our life is tough right now is somehow a betrayal of our faith in God.  Admitting that we are struggling or confessing that we are having a hard time does not mean we don't have faith, it simply means that we are being honest like Jesus was in the Garden when he prayed. Sometimes Paul's circumstances were awful, but in the midst of that he remembered that God was still good.  You cannot avoid all difficulties and challenges in life.  But, with God's help and with a proper understanding of how He works in our lives you can make the best of even bad circumstances for God's glory.