Writing about life, leadership, faith, and anything else I find interesting.

Troubled Times

 

Troubled Times - 2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians has been a book about ministry, the struggles, and the fight. This book has been a deeply personal testimony for Paul, and journey with the church in Corinth. So much application for us all, recognizing we are all ministers of the Gospel as Christians...this is our fight, this is our war. 

I can’t read these chapters in the last few days and not have the Covid-19 virus and scare in my thoughts. Right now, it's all-consuming for me on every front. Sitting here in my MIL house in Dallas, encouraging her and trying to make sure she understands the vulnerable state she is in since she is older, and is prone to bronchitis and lung conditions. Thinking about my mom, dad, and family at this time, and they are also in my prayers for much of the same reasons. 

As we step more into a time of isolation and self-quarantine due to the recommendations of the local and national officials, I am praying for those who are vulnerable and more exposed or challenged in these times. Thinking about those who might be homeless, financially challenged, or already fighting illness. 

These thoughts and so much more are on my mind as I finish 2 Corinthians and soak in Paul's words to the church and leaders in Corinth. 

“For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It’s in these troubled times that we are exposed and brought to the realization we are weak! We are vulnerable humans that when all is smooth, we can falsely be lead to believe we are in control and have it all together. But when the floor drops out from our feet, and the ground turns to shifting sands, our weakness is exposed. We must read Paul's words and take them to heart, Jesus was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s powers. Likewise, we are weak in him, but God's power lives and dwells in us. 

Things of this world can not offer us peace and stability, and only Christ can offer us that gift. We must look in the right place for our comfort. 

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” -‭ ‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We are being tested right now, or we can at least look at it from that perspective. In these times, we can examine our faith and draw closer to Christ and those Christ-followers in our lives. This is a time for the church to rise for Christians to rise and bring God's glory to those who are in need, who are struggling, and those who are vulnerable. 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Rejoice! Our current situation and circumstances might be troubling, but our faith rests in the one who is not weary. Rejoice! Now is the time to rise, to be the encouraging voice, and bring peace and comfort to those in need. Rejoice! God of love and peace is with us, and He is for us. Rejoice! The same spirit that raised Christ from the grave lives in you. 

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” - ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬



 
thoughtsTerry Storch