SUNDAY, October 23

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8. We had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated.

When I read about the trials and tribulations Paul endured in spreading the gospel, I wonder whether I would have hung in there as he did. There must have been times when he wondered if it was all worth it. Yes, he was making converts, but didn’t there come a time when he thought enough was enough?

Few of us have to endure what Paul did in proclaiming the good news, but that is not to say that living out our faith is easy. While we may not have been physically attacked for the sake of Christ, giving of our time and energy to help those in need can be exhausting. While we may not have been verbally rebuked because of our faith, we may hold back from speaking the truth because we fear criticism. We may not walk in Paul’s shoes; but like Paul, we often find it difficult to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

We, too, wonder if it is worth it, if our efforts are making even a small dent in spreading the good news. The other good news is that it is worth it and that we are.

PRAY for the Diocese of The Murray (South Australia, Australia)

Ps 90:1-6, 13-17 and Deuteronomy 34:1-12—OR—Ps 1 and Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18; Matthew 22:34-46

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.

Become a Fan of Forward Day by Day on Facebook.

Follow Forward Day by Day on Twitter.

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email this

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (5) Add Comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

...

Oct 23, 2011 at 3:22 am

Written by Bonnie,

So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.
(Galatians 6:9).

...

Oct 23, 2011 at 8:24 am

Written by carolyn,

Thankfully, Paul knew he couldn't just live his faith and hope to make converts. He spoke about it, testified, shared the Good News with others. So must we live and speak if we are to be faithful to Christ's calling. People yearn to know what makes our lives more peaceful. We must have courage to say with confidence, "It's my faith. I don't know what I'd do without it." And open the door to share the peace and joy of Christ.

...

Oct 23, 2011 at 8:27 am

Written by enough?,

Why would there ever be a time when enough was enough in a life and death issue such as this? What would such a time look like?

exhaustion

Oct 23, 2011 at 1:39 pm

Written by Bonnie,

response to enough?

In a perfect world, there would not be times when enough is enough. However, in this world filled with imperfect human beings, sometimes those in ministry reach the point of enough.

Moses did. He asked God why he had to deal with these stubborn people and asked God to let him die. Listen to Moses' frustration as he talks to God: "Why have You been so hard on Your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all this people on me? ... I alone am not able to carry all this people, because it is too burdensome for me. So if You are going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once, if I have found favor in Your sight, and do not let me see my wretchedness." (Numbers 11:11-15).

Elijah did. After the huge victory over Ahab and Jezabel's prophets of Baal, he heard that Jezabel was determined to find him and kill him. Elijah ran and hid. In the midst of Elijah's angst and the sheer silence, God spoke to him. Shortly after this encounter, Elijah passed his mantle to Elisha and God took Elijah home. (I Kings 19).

Paul did. He became weary wrote of many who did him a great deal of harm, and of those who deserted him. He was tired. He wrote, For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. (II Timothy 4).

I did. As a children's minister for many years, I became weary and tired. I asked God for release. I am now happily teaching Special Education in a high school resource room, a refreshingly new area of ministry.

It is so important for us to pray fervently for each other and especially for those who minister to us. We need to be encouragers like Barnabas, who earned his nickname because of the encouragement he gave to others. (Acts 4:36).

Thank you

Oct 23, 2011 at 4:52 pm

Written by Chris,

Bonnie,
Thank you for your words of witness and comfort. God bless you.

Write comment

Show/hide comment form

The History of Forward Movement:

Weary and Divided Church | The First Publication | Church Moves Forward | Name Change | The First Editor

A Meditation for Pentecost

New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!

185662_201033913247091_122364231114060_862947_1284717_n Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.

Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!

Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!

Signup for e-news

10ways-to-pray Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!

Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.

Start a Subscription Prayer Chapel

Resources

Today's Meditation Podcast Día a Día (Spanish Version) Editor’s Notes Mobile Reading For Today A Morning Resolve How to Use Forward Day by Day Scripture Listings

Latest Meditations

Meditation Archives

May, 2012 April, 2012 March, 2012 February, 2012 January, 2012 December, 2011 November, 2011 October, 2011 September, 2011 August, 2011 July, 2011 June, 2011

Request a Catalog Make a Donation