We
put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will
not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves
in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and
distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work,
sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and
kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech
and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right
hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good
report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as
unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed;
sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having
nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Patience in the face of
trials and suffering is one area where reliance on the Spirit for
this fruit is required. It can be impossible to get through times of
difficulty without relying on a higher power, knowing you have a
higher purpose and looking forward to the Lord's return.
Lord, thank you for giving examples of your people persevering through trials. Help us to do the same and keep our focus on you and being with you for eternity. Amen.
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