Unpacking 31 Verses to Live By – Day 31
Beloved, this verse has carried me through many challenging situations. I’ve saved it until the last; it is perhaps the easiest to memorize. The Apostle Paul writes Philippians. He was converted on the road to Damascus. A light blinded him, and he instinctively knew it was the Lord. Read with me the story in Acts 9
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. Acts 9: 3-9. NIV.
Once redeemed, always redeemed, Philippians is said to be the happiest of Paul’s letters. He writes to the Christian believer in the city of Philippi. He doesn’t tell us we can be satisfied or be satisfied. He is unmistakably is happy. How can this be true when he writes from a jail cell? He was in a shipwreck at sea, he was beaten, and he had a thorn that he asked the Lord to remove that was not removed to which he said God’s grace was sufficient. His joy for life is perhaps why he would say that Christ was everything to him.
So, I worked my way through school with migraine headaches. I’ve suffered from chronic pain, yet I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength. I’ve seen victory in our marriage. But, perhaps, my proudest accomplishment is our sons.
The Apostle Paul is used mightily by the Lord writing much of the New Testament. We do not know what his “thorn” was; many think it was his eyesight, but we know that he lived each day to the fullest for Christ.
Beloved, when facing a challenge, remember to put one foot in front of the other and quote this verse that you can do all things through Jesus Christ, who gives you strength.
I hope you have enjoyed this series. What is your favorite verse?
Where do you need Christ’s help today, and how may I pray for you?
Father God, may I be like Paul and count it all joy to serve you. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
