But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.” We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. – 2 Corinthians 4:13-15 (NLT)
Yesterday we learned about how God’s power gives us hope during suffering. Today, we continue on in the same passage and see how this very same power can also make us outspoken in our faith.
Verse 13 starts off with Paul quoting David, the author of many Psalms. In Psalm 116:10, David had said, “I believe in God, so I spoke.” Paul compares the emboldened faith that David had with that of his own. Paul knows that no matter what, he will one day be raised from the dead and be with Christ, who was also raised from the dead. This knowledge increases his faith, and empowers him to speak out, despite the many trials and hardships he faced because of it.
I’m guessing that few of us in modern Western society are facing physical persecution for our faith. But perhaps some of us receive comments or looks from our friends and family when we talk about our faith in God when it comes to fertility. Some people might think you’re crazy for forgoing treatment and praying for a miracle. Others may think you’re wrong for pursuing treatment, even though you’ve prayerfully considered it, sought wise counsel, and feel like the Lord has given you the go-ahead. And some people may even imply your lack of faith when you’ve decided to embrace the path of a childless life.
These types of comments and looks, while nowhere near as severe as what Paul and modern-day martyrs are facing, can still sting. You may be tempted to just stop talking about how you feel God is leading you.
But Paul encourages us to keep on speaking about God. When we share God’s grace and what He’s doing in our lives, verse 15 tells us that His grace will spread to more and more people. And that is cause for great thanksgiving!
Our sufferings, big or small, all count for the glory of God.
Share what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to blog about every little detail, but be open to talking about how He’s sustaining you and strengthening you during tough times.
Be bold. Be outspoken.
Image courtesy of Pixabay. This post is linked up with several blog hops. You can see everywhere I link up here.
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