What I Learned from a Shipwrecked Preacher

We’ve all had bad days, haven’t we? Something goes wrong, we have a conflict with a family member or co-worker, and we’re upset or ‘off’ the rest of the day. We go on, though, and the next day is usually better. How do you react, though, when something happens of a more serious nature? Do you fret and worry, even cry? Do you talk to others? Or does it put you in a bad mood, to the point where you are rude or dismissive towards others?

 

The Apostle Paul had many ‘bad days;’ in fact, he sometimes had bad days that ended up hurting him for some time – and in a couple of instances, they affected him for several years! Here’s what he learned to do:

 

First, he reminded himself of how God had worked in the past and of the ways God’s Word addressed specific fears and situations. Of course, this didn’t really change the situation, but it helped his perspective.

 

Another thing he did when the ‘bad day’ affected others was encourage them with his faith-based perspective. He knew that if he was suffering, so were others – and he wanted to help them!

 

Finally, he learned to make the best of a situation and talk to others about the way God has acted in history to help us deal with our struggles and even the sin that tends to make things worse.

 

People need to hear about Jesus, of course, but they also need encouragement as they go through the struggles of this life. Let’s follow Paul’s example – especially in the bad days of this life! Paul became an encourager based on his faith in Jesus and his love for people.

 

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Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.