June 23, 2007
Using Influence Despite Hardship
Today I read about Paul as he worked with the churches of Galatia (Acts 13:14-14:23). I read about how the honorable God-fearing women exerted their influence to persecute Paul & Barnabas. I read about Paul's persistence in preaching the Gospel even more boldly in Lystra when he faced opposition, and how even though they stoned him and left him outside the city for dead, he got right up and went back into the city! Being a Christian means confronting hardships head-on by the power of the Holy Spirit. I doubt that Paul had the strength and wisdom to endure all these things ....but he did have the Holy Spirit, which gave him all the strength and wisdom he needed.
And I have that same Spirit living in me! My problems pale in comparison to those Paul faced, but they are very real to me. Lately very few days go by without me being reduced to tears of frustration, as I just feel like giving up. But God doesn't want me to give up - he wants me to look to Him for the strength and wisdom I need to persevere in influencing my children to do what is right and to honor Him.
Lord, You have called me to a difficult task - one for which I do not have sufficient strength or wisdom. Thank You that I don't need to do it all in my own strength or with my own wisdom. Help me to look to You when daily problems arise, and to keep on persevering even when life is so hard. Amen.
Posted by jennbeck at June 23, 2007 07:32 AM