January 30: 2 Corinthians 12:19-21

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:20
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.

Devotion:
I wonder whether God has placed something on your heart and you have not yet taken up the challenge… I found myself in this position a few years back when I was “between youth jobs”. I knew God had plans for me, but had not listened to find out what and where. So why have I picked these verses for a question like this?

Many times in our lives we shy away from having to do something because we think it is going to be hard work or something we are not going to be able to cope with; but when God is calling you to do something, you need to be listening to Him because it is the best thing for you to be doing. It may well seem like hard work and it may seem like you are about to walk into a storm because of the people you are being called to go to – but when you get there are knuckle down to what God has called you to do, it all starts to make sense!

Yes, it may well be hard work. Yes, there may well be times you have to berate people for what they are doing. But unless you are going to do that, just maybe those people will not be able to fully grasp what God has in store for them. I love seeing people admit to the fact we are shining lights in a dark world; the darkness cannot stop us because as soon as light enters into the space, darkness is no more!

Do not be put off by the actions of others. Do not be put off by the lives others live. If God is calling you to witness to such people, He is also going to lift you up and protect you in your calling. You do not have to join in with the lifestyle of the people around you – in fact you need to ensure you are that shining light others will be able to count on. Be the example God has called you to be; but don’t go in and think you are better than the people around you! God has called you to be a witness to them and an example through which they will be encouraged, giving them hope.

Points to Ponder:
What has God called you to be?

Will you submit fully to God’s will for your life?