Life Lessons with Dr. Steve Schell
Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
Paul was a human being with strengths and weaknesses. He was incredibly brave. At times he seemed fearless in preaching the gospel. As we read through the Book of Acts we’ve often watched him pursued by angry mobs, and he didn’t always escape. On occasion they caught him and stoned or beat him badly. Yet he always seemed to get up and march off to the next city. So it might be hard for us to accept the fact that this great apostle could have moments when he too felt overwhelmed, when the pressure of it all grew too much for him, when he felt alone and afraid. But this was the condition he was in when he arrived in Corinth. So when he began to preach there, and that predictable pattern of anger began to emerge, when the threat of violence grew stronger by the day, he faithfully kept preaching, even though he wanted to run away. It almost hurts to say it, but he didn’t want to be hit again. He had been hit so hard, so often, it had begun to take its toll. But in that season of weakness Jesus didn’t scold Paul, He completely understood how he felt, He’d felt the same way. So He took care of him. He brought people who would stand beside him so he wouldn’t be alone. He prompted believers who loved him to send a timely gift, and above all He spoke to him. And that loneliness and fear left. Luke beautifully captures the change in Paul when he says, “and he sat down a year and six months, teaching among them the Word of God” (literal). He was at peace and able to finish his assignment.
There are, undoubtedly, people among us today who, like Paul, have not stopped serving the Lord, but inside feel alone and afraid. So as we watch the way Jesus kindly and patiently cares for Paul, his weakness actually encourages us. If this great apostle can struggle this deeply, then surely we can too. And if Jesus will come and minister to him, then He’ll come and minister to us, too. Paul’s weakness becomes an invitation from the Lord to admit our own weakness, and receive His care
100 - The Courage to Lead
99 - The Right Question
98 - Escaping the Trap
97 - Failed Resolutions
96 - The Cup of Suffering
95 - Our Greatest Gift
94 - Filled With His Joy
93 - Thankful For Truth
92 - His Deepest Desire
91 - Faith Under Pressure
90 - The Secret of Joy
89 - The Teacher Within
88 - The Plan
87 - Recognizing God
86 - The Spirit of Truth
85 - Maintaining a Loving Heart
84 - Equipping Disciples
83 - Staying Attached
82 - Created for Authority
81 - The Greatest Reward
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