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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 18:9, we read of how serious the situation was in Paul's life. He is being so sorely and severely tested that he can almost take no more, and the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ intervenes. Now this does NOT happen often, but only when absolutely essential.
"The Will of God will never place you, where the Grace of God cannot keep you."
You would have thought Paul would have known all these things - that he would not have needed such ministry - not so. This is not a promise for every situation - just for Corinth, and we have to hear our own words of reassurance at times.
"Paul - on this occasion - don't move off - don't flee." There is no fixed pattern. "I do have many people in this city. I have much work for you to do."
The sheer honesty, reality and openness of the Word of God is so comforting and reassuring, but it also teaches us and reminds us, if we need reminding, that ministry will never be easy. God wants you to know that at times it will be tough - tougher than you anticipated.
The seal that all this was of God is in verse 11. Paul remained in Corinth for a year and a half - teaching them The Word of God. Having been ministered unto, he now ministers to the Lord's people, knowing what the Will of God is for him at that particular time.
There are times when we have to allow Jesus to speak to us and minister to us, so that we are encouraged and refreshed and uplifted.
When Jesus gives you a vision - a verse - a word - let that so strengthen you that you will be able to strengthen others. God may do this directly - but more often He will speak through His Word or through another believer.
This word from Jesus imparts peace and staying power. Jesus gives strength to endure - to continue - to serve. There are seasons when He reveals precious truths to you - in prayer - in the fellowship - through the Scriptures. When that happens - when that is your experience - rejoice and be filled with His Power and Love - and go on serving and ministering to others.
Jesus speaks and ministers to build up, edify, strengthen, reassure - so that we may continue and complete the course, and fight the good fight. But to do that we have to keep the faith. There is no other way.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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