2 Corinthians 11

Oh man! I don’t know about you, but this chapter of scripture really speaks to me … well it kind of smacks me in the face. You see, I often find myself complaining about the stupidest things. And really … what on earth do we have to complain about??? Seriously, the everyday things that stress us out and cause us to be in a bad mood are usually just minor irritations, slight discomforts or disruptions in our ordinarily extremely blessed lives!

Paul had serious problems. Look at all the things he went through:

“I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.[c] 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.”

I would like to urge you to take some time to think about the things that have upset you lately. What is causing you stress or to have a bad day? Were they all about you? What you want? What you “need?” How something or someone made you feel? Paul was beaten and stoned; people were trying to murder him. Yet, his sole focus was spreading the gospel and encouraging other believers.

Bobby asked us recently how many times this year we actually got upset because of something affecting the Kingdom of God. Ouch! He’s right though. Take some time to evaluate what consumes your thoughts. Commit to seeking Him first and advanceing His kingdom. Make Him your priority and let all of those little things go. He has so much more planned for us!

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Jeanene Hill |Office Manager

Jeanene and her husband Lester moved to Hutto in 2005. They have three children: Jacob, Dylan & Adam. As a teenager, Jeanene accepted Christ and committed to seeking a life that honors Him. She has spent many years working in the pregnancy resource and childcare fields. Currently Jeanene works as the Office Manager and volunteers as the Children’s Ministry Director. Contact Jeanene Hill: [email protected]