A Light for My Path

Here is a link to last week’s series, A Light for My Path.

I think when we read about the Apostle Paul and other Bible characters, we view them as almost super-spiritual beings, don’t we? Everything they did seemed miraculous. And it was, because, of course, God’s divine plan was at work.

But even their failures seem epic. You can probably think of many examples just by reflecting on names like Jonah, Moses, David and more.

Because of such grand victories and monumental failures, we rarely see these heroes of the faith as having ordinary days.

But they were people called by God to do extraordinary things, and still they faced ordinary trials.

They surely experienced aches and pains, cold and hunger, sorrow and loss. They had practical daily needs.

Paul gives us a glimpse.

Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.

2 Timthy 4:13

Paul wrote this to young Timothy when he was in Mamertine prison in Rome.

Now, there is nothing ordinary about being in prison for the Gospel.

But the point is, Paul was cold and needed a little warmth and comfort. We’ve all been without a warm jacket on a chilly day. You and I know what it’s like to be caught unexpectedly without small comforts, don’t we?

Also, Paul wanted his books and parchments. We can barely be without a cell phone for an hour; this godly man wasn’t desiring entertainment. He wanted his treasured work.

Still another reminder of Paul’s daily and relatable suffering is found in the story about his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

So, believers are well aware of the daily sufferings of this life. It isn’t always related to religious persecution, is it?

That’s why our memory passage for this week is so uplifting.

This wonderful passage reminds us that one day, every son and daughter of God will finally be freed from the groanings of this life.

All of the little pesky trials and the downright miseries will be no comparison to the glory of God being revealed in our glorified state.

Take a look at our memory verses for this week. Remember to pray for one another. Be sure to share these passages with other believers as a source of encouragement.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Romans 8:18-21

Share the Good News in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.