You’re able to withstand anything if you’re standing for the right things.

Consider Paul. He persevered even though he had been put in prison, flogged, exposed to death, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, and shipwrecked three times. (See 2 Corinthians 11:23-28)

But it wasn’t for nothing. It was so that GOD could continue his important work through him. The sentiment is captured in Paul’s own prayer for the Philippians in chapter 1, verse 6: “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

He (and they) could withstand anything because they were standing for the right things, and because God was the one advancing this work towards completion. To be clear, the “right things” for which they were standing were the message and mission of Jesus—in them, through them, and for the healing of the world.

Life can get hard. We all know it’s true. Some storms are visible. Most are not. But they’re still tumultuous. As you live your calling as the hands and feet of a love-radiating Saviour, remember that the storms which intimidate you don’t intimidate God.

Ours is a God who gets things done.

You’re able to withstand anything if you’re standing for the right things.

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Notes:

–My latest sermon is based on Acts 5:17-42 and is called “Honoured to be dishonoured.” Click here to watch or listen.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.