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standing and strong
Paul gave praise to the Lord as he wrote, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me.” Even though his friends and colleagues had deserted him when he stood trial for his faith, Paul had a clear sense that the Lord stood beside him, pouring supernatural pow- erintohislife. Hepersonallyexperienced the truths of Hebrews 13:5-6, “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”
When has the Lord stood with you as you encountered storms, trials, and disappoint- ments? How has the Lord strengthened you
when you were weak, weary, and wondering if you could go on? Take time, even now, to praise the Lord who has stood with you and strengthened you. Thank Him for how He is doing so right now.
Working in us to Work through us
Paul gives praise to God for His noble pur- posesinandthroughPaul. Hewrites,“sothat through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished.” Sufferingwithoutpurposeis agonizing beyond description. Suffering for agloriouscauseisempowering. Eveninthe shadow of death, Paul was grateful that the Lord had worked in him and used him, espe- cially in times of trial, to manifest the message
of the Gospel. Continued on pg 34
April 2015
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