TUESDAY May 7, 2024

A Prisoner for Christ

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already....
Ephesians 3:1-3

Paul the Apostle suffered tremendously for Christ. He was often beaten and imprisoned. During this time, although a prisoner, he found ways to preach the Gospel. Although restricted, he witnessed to the Roman guards who watched over him. He spent his time wisely, writing theological discourses about the mystery of God’s grace in his epistle to the Ephesians. Never for a moment did Paul feel sorry for himself. He knew he was in God’s perfect will.

Like Paul, we can expect times of suffering. It is not always easy to be a Christian. Some of you may be going through mental, emotional, physical, or financial suffering. Every Christian must go through the school of suffering. Jesus said: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus comforted us.

Do these trials make you feel restricted and discouraged? Do you think God has abandoned you? These are times of deep darkness. When facing tough circumstances, I encourage you not to worry. Jesus is with you! He will lighten your darkness: For You will light my lamp; the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness (Psalm 18:28).

Christian, we do not even have to fear death. God is in the valley of death with us. He will not forsake you in your hour of need: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me... (Psalm 23:4). In Christ we have peace.

Most of us remember what it was like to be in bondage to this world and our sin. Now that Jesus Christ has delivered us from evil, are we willing to become His servants, even if that means becoming His prisoner?

In me there is darkness, but with You there is light; I am lonely, but You do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, but with You there is help; I am restless, but with You there is peace.
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!