One of the most encouraging things about the apostle Paul is how he chose to view the incredible difficulties which he endured for the Lord. He didn’t complain; he didn’t whine; he didn’t question, “Why is God doing this to me?!”
Here is what he said. “. . . I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”
One of the most powerful motivators in life is to witness someone “walking the walk.” Especially when they are in the midst of extreme difficulty.
I recently had such an experience—of witnessing just that.
A lady whom I have grown to respect deeply was experiencing an extremely difficult situation in her life—a situation that seemed to put her future in extreme peril—was talking to me and we were talking about how the Lord would want her to respond. (She has been an example to me on multiple occasions of her trust in the Lord.) In our conversation, she said one of the most encouraging things I’ve ever heard anyone say. She said, “Every morning when I wake up, I say ‘Thank you God for the pain.’” My mouth must have fallen open. She continued, “The pain is beautiful. Without the pain I wouldn’t know how much I can trust God!”
I thought, “This woman is like the widow who gave her last two coins to the Lord!”
Surely God smiled. And the angels were amazed. And Jesus was proud.
. . . And I am encouraged.
-Ken Stegall
