SCRIPTURE: 2Corinthians (NIV) 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.
OBSERVATION: Later in chapter 11 of this letter, Paul gives a list of the things he has endured while serving the Lord. Five times he had been whipped with 39 lashes, he had been beaten with rods, he had been stoned, he had been shipwrecked three times, he had been hungry and thirsty, cold and naked. Yet in this verse he is thankful to God who had always led him “in triumphal procession in Christ.”
The physical crushing and hardships that Paul endured released a special insight into the depth of Paul’s love for Christ and for the church. People could see evidence of the presence of Jesus in his life. It was like people could smell a special fragrance that made them realize the presence of Jesus.
APPLICATION: We may not always have triumph in our circumstances, but we can always have victory in our spirit and in our attitude. And when it is obvious to others that we are being beaten down, yet we do not act beaten down—it is then our life becomes a testimony that there is something on the inside (the life of Christ) that is greater than anything the world can throw at us!
The deep-seated joy and peace that radiated from His presence seems especially noticeable when there is struggle and turmoil on the outside.
PRAYER: Lord, I pray for those who are going through great suffering or are in the hospital. May your presence be easily recognized in their lives. May your peace flood their room and spill out into the hallway. May the medical staff look for excuses to visit their rooms. Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in them. Amen
Pastor Leon
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