PROFOUND GRATITUDE
2Corinthians 2:9-10
The Message: “Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since He’s the God Who raises the dead! And He did it, rescued us from certain doom. And He’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing.”
2Corinthians 2:9-10
The Message: “Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since He’s the God Who raises the dead! And He did it, rescued us from certain doom. And He’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing.”
The apostle Paul was a man driven to succeed. Former enemy of Christ—he worked passionately for God’s kingdom—profoundly grateful for his salvation. He shows believers today how to live victoriously, succeeding in every task. The key to victory is the three “C”s: Clarity, Commitment, and Counsel.
Paul’s fuzzy vision of the daunting task of sharing the Gospel and establishing new churches needed clarification (KLAR-if-i-KA-shun, meaning explanation, focused purpose).
While traveling to Corinth with Timothy, a brother in Christ, Paul suffered hardships in the province of Asia. The adversity before them was so severe, that they thought they would die. Desperate, they prayed, and relied totally on God’s lead. Suddenly, the way to proceed sharpened unmistakably. Paul introduced Timothy to the new congregation in Corinth, and their visit displayed courageous joy to them (2Corinthians 2:23-24). The people were amazed at Paul’s and Timothy’s joy in sharing the Gospel after being tested so severely.
God provides clarity. Focused vision spots opportunities to achieve goals, and appreciation for God’s timing. Paul established new churches at every city in his missionary journey—without causing any of them grief.
Paul was committed to God’s plan of spreading the Gospel to the Gentile world (Greeks, and non-Jewish people). Paul never wavered in his faith. His dedication enabled him to plow forward, despite the obstacles blocking his way. Paul’s profound gratitude for success fueled his passion to achieve every goal.
Paul’s zeal is neither ordinary, nor unique. Those who seek God’s counsel are similarly led to victory. Acquiring Godly direction transforms ordinary boys and girls (like you and me) into extraordinary people. Together, our successful accomplishments glorify our amazing God.
Just like as it was for the apostle Paul, when we seek God daily, plowing forward towards goals always achieves success.
Will you join me in becoming extraordinary?
Take Home Nugget
God’s gift to us is life. Physical life can be supplemented with a rich spiritual life in Christ (John 20:31). Instead of wasting this gift, we can choose success. Like apostle Paul, our success will be marked with happiness, dedication, and profound gratitude.
Life—a gift profound!
Every day, in everything, let us give thanks.
Plowing towards success
Hearts bursting—gratitude unbound.
Happy Thanksgiving, America! November 26, 2009.
J.D. Griffith
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