8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
DAILY READING Matthew 18:1-20; Numbers 5-6; Ecclesiastes 5
Joseph Stalin didn’t plan to assist the church in Russia during his purge of political and religious dissidents. But he did help it when he sent some pastors and Christian leaders to the labor camps of Siberia. From Magadan, where they got off the ships, the prisoners were sent in work gangs to forests and mines and remote areas to clear land, dig out vital ore, and cut roads through remote areas. It was grueling work that many did not survive. But those believers were not silent. They banded together, and as they were sent from place to place they witnessed and taught, leaving behind clusters of believers. In many communities of Eastern Siberia, strong churches still stand and groups of Christians witness to the faith and courage of those dedicated servants.
The apostle Paul faced some huge challenges. He was sharing the Good News when he was arrested and put in the prison. It seemed the closer he got to his destiny the more obstacles came. But Paul wasn’t defeated and depressed. When he couldn’t speak publicly, he began to write letters.
He wrote over half the New Testament from a prison cell. They thought they were stopping him but they only amplified his voice. God will use the ones trying to hold you down to propel you forward. As long as you stay in faith you will accomplish your assignment. Quit focusing on who’s against you Or how difficult the road is. God has the final say. If God doesn’t turn it around the way you thought, be certain that He is working it all out for your good.
He knows every setback and challenge you have ever had to face. His grace is sufficient. You’ll never come to a hill where you won’t have the strength to climb it. No matter what happens be assured that Jehovah alone has the final say in your life.
At the end of his life Paul said I have finished my race – with joy. We all have things come against us. It’s easy to drag through life but there’s no victory in that. Determine to finish your course with joy. Thanking God for what you do have.
PRAYER: Lord please help me to build my life upon the solid foundation of Your Word, knowing indeed all things are working for my good in Jesus Name. .
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Nothing liberates like truth, the truth you know and act upon will make you free. – WORDBITE 222.