(reworked from 2010)
SCRIPTURE: Galatians (NIV) 4:13 As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14 Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.
OBSERVATION: Paul gives credit to an illness for the gospel being first preached to the Galatians. Both Paul and the Galatians used this “illness” for the glory of God. Paul did so by taking the opportunities afforded him to preach the gospel. The Galatians did so by accepting the gospel!
Note that Paul even took advantage of prison time by writing letters. And we take advantage of his prison time by reading and studying them. The limitations that the “illness” and Rome put on Paul served only as opportunity to expand his ministry.
APPLICATION: The Kingdom of God is not hindered by my weakness or limitations, even if they are imposed on me by others. These can be used by the Holy Spirit for God’s glory. May I take advantage of illness, or trouble, or difficulty, or lack of finances, or limited provisions, etc. that may come my way to let God flow through me! I may be limited, but God is not!!!
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, instead of being discouraged by my weaknesses and limitations, today I will look for you to flow through them. Help me see them as opportunities to bring the love of Jesus to someone I would have overlooked. Amen.
Pastor Leon
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