| The Balancing Act |
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12:7 And because the revelations were so very great, in order that I might not be overmuch lifted up, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, one sent from Satan to give me pain. 12:8 And about this thing I made request to the Lord three times that it might be taken away from me. 12:9 And he said to me, My grace is enough for you, for my power is made complete in what is feeble. Most gladly, then, will I take pride in my feeble body, so that the power of Christ may be on me. 12:10 So I take pleasure in being feeble, in unkind words, in needs, in cruel attacks, in troubles, on account of Christ: for when I am feeble, then am I strong. feel sorry for the apostle Paul. He ministered all over the Roman Empire and held down a steady job as a tentmaker at the same time. How did he manage? Oh yeah, he was single...:)
In addition to pastoring the church, I have suspended seminary studies to go back to teaching. I am teaching high school history and coaching basketball and baseball at my alma mater. With my wife expecting our second child (a girl we're naming Abigail Grace) and gas at $4 per gallon, I could not afford the 720 miles per week between home and school. I am taking two classes online, though, to maintain enrollment.
How can I maintain the level of ministry that I had built before this job? How can I do the job as a teacher and coach in a way that brings honor to Christ? More importantly, how can I do my job as husband and father to my sweet wife and kids? It is a frustrating thing, but I am realizing (I guess the hard way) that God's plan doesn't always equate to an easy ride. I am reminded of Paul, whose thorn in the flesh made him cry out to God for relief. The passage quoted above shows that God shows Himself most clearly in our weakest moments.
So if you are in a battle or facing weakness, understand that God wants to use it for His glory and to bring you closer to Himself. May you be strengthed by His grace. |
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