TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
2 Corinthians 11:24–29
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
When the Wright brothers invented the airplane, it brought new dimensions to transportation. It shortened traveling time, served convenience, and allowed comfort. However, before the first plane even took off, the Wright Brothers wouldn’t have known any success if it wasn’t for their frequent and painful failures.
The apostle Paul was beaten with rods, shipwrecked five times, lashed 39 times, betrayed by his own people, thrown in prison, and endured hardships, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, and cold. By human standards, Paul was a failure. Yet, he was often considered the most influential person after Jesus in the history of Christianity. His epistles have had an enormous impact on Christian theology, especially on the relationship between God, the Father, Jesus, and man’s relationship with the divine. In addition to his extensive theological contributions, his missions were focused mainly on the gentiles, making Christianity primarily a gentile religion.
Paul was determined and committed to succeeding despite the many setbacks he experienced. He knew his purpose and calling. Do not live on other people’s dreams, calling, and ambitions because you want to have their kind of life. Know your purpose, trust in God’s guidance, develop your character and competence, never give up, level up every single time, be excellent in every task you do, and remain humble and teachable.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as we consider the trials and tribulations faced by the apostle Paul, we are inspired by his unwavering commitment to Your divine calling. Despite the numerous setbacks, he never gave up. Let us be relentless in developing our character, pursuing excellence in all we do, and remaining humble and teachable. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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