Dying for His Strength

In St. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, 4:1-12, he speaks of the things that come against him and his brothers in Christ: "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh."

St. Paul opens in this chapter by saying, "Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart." He then goes on to describe the things that have come against his ministry. I would say that I have probably had more things come against me since I have truly found the Lord than previous to that time. I say, "What have I done to deserve this? Is this my past catching up with me?

My faith is tested. The devil tries to cause me to question my Lord and God. In seeking God's presence, my faith overcomes the circumstances. I sail into the storm with abandon. I have an irrational confidence. Those that watch are sure of my destruction. I seek Him more and more with greater and greater confidence in my place in His kingdom. He is my rudder and my compass. He makes my ship's hull and keel strong.

Whew! I'm working up a sweat now. I'm getting carried away because I have experienced His strength in the midst of chaos. One time it was a life threatening illness. Another time it was a personal attack from someone that I had considered a friend.

We all have our list of the situations that have tested us. Have we seen the strength of God in them? If we seek Him, He will be our shield and our defense. St. Paul and His fellow messengers for the Lord experienced tremendous threats as they spread the gospel in their world. When we are living in God's word and doing His will, His mercy for our mission is our protector.

Paul's protection was the carrying in his body the death of Jesus. It was in this way that the life and light of Jesus was made manifest in his body. The Holy Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is described, petitioned and praised in this 4^th verse written by William Whiting (1825-1878), as part of what is commonly referred to as The Navy Hymn:

"O Trinity of love and power, Our brethren shield in danger's hour; From rock and tempest, fire and foe, Protect them where so e'er they go; Thus evermore shall rise to thee Glad hymns of praise from land and sea."