Persevering

….on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.

2 Corinthians 11:26-27 ESV

When you are working to build or maintain a ministry, whether it be international, local, or contained in the confines of your home, it is almost inevitable that a myriad of doubts and negative thoughts may overwhelm you.

As you face obstacles, bumps in the road, and even roadblocks, you may find yourself wondering if this vision or dream of yours is really from God.

You may even find yourself questioning God, wondering if He knows what He’s doing or if He made the right decision in choosing you to do what it is He called you to do.

After all, if you were meant to do this, wouldn’t it be easier? Wouldn’t more people support your efforts?As we look at the above scripture, we must remember that what Paul is speaking of occurred not only when he was working in his calling, but also when he was working within the will of God.

He was doing what God charged him with doing, what He called him to do, and still he was met with opposition after opposition and trouble upon trouble.

What this scripture shows us is that doing the will of God does not exempt us from trials or obstacles. God does not promise us that the road to fulfilling our calling will be easy.

What He does promise us is that He will be with us and that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

He also promises us that our reward will be worth the trouble we face. (Galatians 6:9)

If you find yourself feeling discouraged and wanting to give up on your ministry or life’s calling, remember Paul’s sufferings and his impact on our faith despite it all. His words are still inspiring us today!

See the fruits of your labor instead of concentrating on the thorns. If your ministry brings one single soul to Christ, isn’t that worth the trouble?

Your suffering is not in vain.

Guest devotion by Adrienne Thompson. Adrienne has worn many titles in her lifetime – teenage mother, teenage wife, divorcee, registered nurse, and author. This author of 26 books and mother of three young adults currently resides in Arkansas in her newly emptied nest where she writes and publishes her stories full time. Learn how you can become a guest writer.