Encouragement comes in the strangest forms. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 11:23, begins a long list of the various trials and seemingly despairing events which took place for the sake of ministry. All these circumstances serve Paul as reasons he could boast about his ailments and weaknesses for sympathy and support. He interrupts his discourse to remind the Corinthians, “The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, He who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying” (2 Cor. 11:31). But Paul doesn’t end his discourse there. He goes on to explain further circumstances of consequence, even a vision from God. And he reiterates through all these conditions, “God knows…God knows” (2 Cor. 12:2, 3).
What does God knowing the conditions and circumstances of Paul have to do with the encouragement of the Corinthians? Paul addresses a congregation that own a lot of prickles, a lot of challenges, and a lot of discouragements. Yet, the Apostle clarifies that he experienced all these issues but still knew the truth of who God is. And while Paul dealt with each seeming stumbling-block, he yet discovered the assurances that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are worthy, blessed forever.
We struggle with the truth that we serve an all-knowing God. He knows us inside and out. At times, we long for others to know what we go through so they can sympathize, empathize, or even recognize our challenges and offer support and comfort. Yet, the apostle examines his condition under the banner of worship to the God who sees it all and is still sufficiently satisfying to the bruised reed Paul.
The passage teaches us that we have One who knows us in every condition and who is still Good to us when we cannot comprehend. Endurance is the practice of applying the riches of our Savior to our condition no matter how seemingly insurmountable. Paul calls it perseverance instead because he knows the Lord preserves us so we can endure and enjoy the encouragement of His mercies new every morning.
Let us remember He knows and turn to Him for encouragement today.
Pastor Chris
Leave a Reply