READING: 2 Chronicles 34-35, 2 Corinthians 6
We don’t have to look far to see evidence of the prosperity gospel. I’ve traveled around the world and have seen the “health and wealth” gospel preached and followed; in fact, I’ve seen it in the most unexpected places. People are simply attracted to a message that offers them health and dollars.
What we don’t often speak about, however, is the cost some believers pay to follow Christ. That message isn’t nearly as popular as the prosperity gospel, but it’s indeed possible we will face opposition if we follow Christ fully. Paul reminds us of that truth when he describes some things that validate his apostolic calling: “we commend ourselves in everything: by great endurance, by afflictions, by hardships, by difficulties, by beatings, by imprisonments, by riots, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times of hunger . . . .” (2 Cor 6:4-5).
Paul piles up the phrases—e.g., afflictions, hardships, difficulties—to show the depth of anguish he faced, but also to show the strength of his faith and the commitment of his heart. Indeed, faith is often most evident when we cling to Him even when we face our own struggles.
PRAYER: “Lord, I thank You that You make Yourself evident even in hardship.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Weekend is for catch-up and review
MONDAY’S READING: Habakkuk, 2 Corinthians 7