Paul had to go to court. Nobody but the Lord was on his side (2 Tm 4:16-17). Demas, Paul's co-worker, had just quit the ministry and sold out to the world (2 Tm 4:10). Alexander the coppersmith "strongly resisted" Paul's preaching and did him "a great deal of harm" (2 Tm 4:14-15). If that wasn't enough, Paul was without his coat and Bible (2 Tm 4:13). It was one of those days.
Despite abandonment, resistance, and confusion, Paul was happy and confident. He proclaimed: "The Lord stood by my side and gave me strength, so that through me the preaching task might be completed and all the nations might hear the gospel" (2 Tm 4:17). Although Paul's life was being poured out like a libation and he believed he was soon to die, he continued to fight the good fight, run the race, and keep the faith (2 Tm 4:7).
Maybe you're having "one of those days." Maybe you seem to have one after another of those days. Rejoice in the Lord (Phil 4:4). The Lord is close to the brokenhearted (Ps 34:19). Trust Him. "He is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint" (Sir 35:14).
| PRAYER: | Father, I need You desperately. Take over my life. |
| PROMISE: | "Believe Me, this man went home from the temple justified but the other did not. For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled while he who humbles himself shall be exalted." –Lk 18:14 |
| PRAISE: | Praise the risen Jesus, Who opened the way to the Father! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College