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“"Part 2 of Paul's Job Description: in Troubles"”

Thoughts for Today:

[We are in a section in which Paul lists the qualities and situations in which he demonstrated his qualifications for ministry.]

Troubles include all our experiences in life resulting in pressure, oppression, trials, persecution or distress. Having and experiencing troubles, whether in life or serving in ministry, should come as no surprise. Paul wrote about this in his epistle to the church at Thessalonica:: "So that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know." (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4)

Dealing with hardships is a fact of life whether we are Christians or not. However, when serving in ministry, those distresses can be multiplied several times over. In Philippians 4:12-14, Paul explained how he dealt with these troubles: "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." In other words, his present predicament (good or bad) had nothing to do with his victory. Paul's happiness was not predicated on his circumstances, but rather through the strength and ability Christ provided to him.

Questions to Ponder:

Often times, we start out in our Christian walk (or ministry) depending on Christ fully, and end up relying more and more upon our own ability. However, our focus should not be on becoming more self-sufficient, but more God-dependent. Take a personal inventory of your life right now. Are your decisions, the way you deal with stress, how you spend your day -- God-dependent or self-sufficient? When do you seek God? Moment by moment or only when there is an insurmountable problem?

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There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.