For the Love of Jesus Christ

When Paul was weak, he was strong

Jesus promised that those who boldly take up their cross and follow Him will receive persecution. As intense as it is, Christians' should find great comfort

upon learning about the persecution the Apostle Paul endured for the furtherance of the Gospel.

2 Corinthians 11:24-33 is a living, Holy Spirit inspired testimony of Paul's love for Jesus Christ:

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. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern? If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, He who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the ethnarch under Aretas the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me, and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and so escaped his hands (NASB).

In 2 Corinthians 12:10, Pauls' words serve to encourage those who are confronted with persecution on a regular basis:

Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong (NASB).

My fellow Christians, Jesus promised He would return to gather us together with Him. Believe it. He will return! Until that day comes, be encouraged you to cling tenaciously to His holy word, wrap your arms around your Bible, draw it to your bosom, and don't let go. Love the Lord with all your heart and soul. Trust in His word. Let nothing separate you from the risen Savior...nothing.

Sincerely in Christ,

Bud Press
Jude 3