devotional post # 2175

2 Corinthians 6:3-5

2Co 6:3 Giving nobody any reason to fall, so that no fault may be found with our service,
2Co 6:4 but as servants of God we reccommend ourselves in every way: we serve with great perseverance, with afflictions, with hardships, with calamities,
2Co 6:5 with beatings, with imprisonments, with riots, with times of intensive work, with sleepless nights, with hunger;

resume, line one

Some in Corinth appear to be doubting that Paul’s missionary team had the qualifications to serve God. So, Paul pulls out their collective resume and ticks off the recommendations. He starts with all the obstacles and difficulties they have faced while serving. Anyone of lesser character would have stopped and gone home. But Paul’s team stayed at the task.

Difficulties and tough times are not evidence that you have missed your calling. Enduring those tough times while staying on the job are evidence of your calling.

LORD, give us the courage to endure hardship as we serve you.