Romans 15:5 AMPC
[5] Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,
Paul was writing to the church in Rome, and a lot of the Christian principles we live by are laid out quite clearly in the book of Romans. It is interesting to note from the start of the extract above that God gives many things. We know God as the Provider, Healer, as well as the Almighty, but have we ever noted that these attributes of God are appreciated fully when things do not go according to plan? You do not fully appreciate God as Provider when there is no immediate need. We can praise God when things are rosy, but the true test of the value we attach to our relationship with God will be made evident when things are hard. Paul was not your regular guy; he was learned in the ways of the Jews, and he was going to make impact, at least in his personal estimation, before he had that life-changing encounter with Jesus. That was the turning point in the life of Paul.
Paul's life did not stop; it just took on a whole different direction and meaning, and today, we all testify to the grace of God that was quite evident upon the life of Paul. Reflect on all the stories you have read about this man, and see if you could endure even some of what he went through, and not give up. Aa he said in his own words, he had received from the Jews 39 lashes at 5 different times, 3 other times, he was beaten with rods. He was also pelted with stones, and was shipwrecked 3 other times. Tell me, who will go through these things and still speak of encouragement, if the person has not seen something or someone bigger than those experiences. That is where Paul found himself at this time, and that is where we may find ourselves too at some point in time. The Lord does not promise us perpetually clear skies and calm seas; He guarantees His presence with us, no matter what else is going on around us.
As we also know, when I ask God to teach me patience and endurance, He does not just give these out, but He brings situations that will help teach me these virtues. As I go through life, I must be clear that God is interested in both my earthly and eternal lives. It is by His dealings with me that I can live the right way with those who are around me, and also keep the line of communication with Him clear of any distraction. It is the grace of God that I have received and personally appropriated that will be of great use in my interaction and engagement with people. Like Paul, grace received helps to understand other people. I have become a representative of Jesus here on earth, and by my words and actions, I make Him known to men. Am I representing Jesus the right way? Is Christ glorified in and through me? Supply is still available, if I seek all of Him. God's time of favour is here.
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