DATE: Saturday, 21 March 2026
TOPIC: “PERSEVERING THROUGH TRIALS IN GOD’S SERVICE ”
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 11:24-27
MEMORY VERSE: “In weariness and hardship, in frequent sleepless vigils, in hunger and thirst, in frequent fastings, in cold and nakedness” – 2 Cor. 11:28.
Today’s devotional text mirrors the trials and challenges of apostle Paul in the course of his ministry, which serves as a reminder to us that our service to God does not immune or exonerate us from problems. In the verses above, Paul enumerated the trials he had to go through, not because he committed any crime, but because of his service to God.
In verse 24, he was given 39 lashes with a whip by his own fellow Jews. In verse 25, he was beaten 3 times with rods; once stoned; 3 times shipwrecked; stayed 24hours in the sea. In verse 26, he faced dangers as a result of his frequent travels- dangers in waters, dangers of robbers, dangers from his own countrymen, dangers from the Gentles, dangers from false brethren in the same ministry. In verse 27, he had the challenges of tiredness and hardship as a result of ministerial responsibilities. Many times, he could not sleep (not because of studies or prayers) but as a result of stress; many times hungry and thirsty because there was no food to eat; many times he spent the whole of his time fasting; many times he was dealt with by cold because he had to sleep outside; and many times had no better clothes to change into. These things did not happen because he wanted them to happen. They were ministry related challenges that he had to go through for the sake of his love for God and his ministry.
Beloved, your love for Christ and His work is also measured by what you are willing to go through for Him.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please take my hands and lead me through all that I have to go through for your sake in Jesus’ name, Amen.