A Modicum of Faith .
2 Corinthians 11: 24-30

24. Five times I have received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25. Three times I have been beaten with rods; once I was stoned. Three times I have been shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been adrift at sea; 26. 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 brethren; 27. in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30. If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

I think it is safe to say that Paul had more than a modicum of faith! The American Heritage Dictionary defines modicum as: small, moderate, or token amount. When I compare what I have endured (or rather what little I have endured!) relatively speaking, I should admit that I have had a modicum of faith at times in my life.

As you read through Paul’s writings, he just seems to get more and more excited and more and more urgent in his mission. He surely knows, because of his own past and because of the times that he has limited opportunity to spread the Good News. He views every single hardship and inconvenience in his life as an opportunity to serve as an example of how true faith manifests itself.

I don’t imagine that God has in mind for each of us to be beaten, shipwrecked, hungry and in constant danger! I can’t help but think though that He would like us to remember what Christ Himself endured in order that we may have eternal life. I’m pretty sure we are to remember Paul,'s example when we begin to feel persecuted or pressured, alone and abandoned by God.

Paul found God in every lash, in each moment of danger, at every opportunity for hardship and even death. There was nothing moderate or “token” about Paul or his actions or words. He had an urgency that was undeniable. “Hurry up and believe as I do!” Can’t you just imagine him saying those words? How about, “Look at what I have endured, only to find my faith that much stronger!” He doesn't credit himself for an ever-deepening faith, but Christ. Jesus is so wonderful that Paul just can't help it! That's what he wants us to understand as well.

My faith seems pretty shallow and small compared to Paul’s. I think I’m going to try to focus on how my own weaknesses give God opportunities to shine through. He uses me and you to glorify Him in spite of our lacking in zeal and endurance.

My prayer today is that you rejoice in your hardships, knowing God is providing you opportunities to rely on Him. And that you point out not your weaknesses, but God working through you in spite of them.

Mary

Labels: hardship, Paul, weakness

  ¶ 6:17 AM