Daily Reading // 2 Corinthians 7:1-7
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to three times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
2 Corinthians 7:5 (NKJV) For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.
Paul and his companions experienced difficulty. If experiencing difficulty in life shows a lack of spirituality, then Paul wasn’t very spiritual. If difficulty expresses God’s disfavor, then God didn’t like Paul very much. If I am ever going to have a life without difficulty, it certainly won’t be life Paul’s life.
Difficulties come in all shapes and sizes. One way to categorize them is the last sentence of this verse: “Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.”
We all deal with difficulties externally and internally. Paul was no exception.
Fear and conflict may always unavoidable, but they can be managed.
Outside were conflicts. Paul says in another place, “As much as it depends on you, live at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18). It doesn’t all depend on me. Try as I might, I will experience conflict. Minimize it, even resolve it if you can. But don’t let it stop you.
Probably the most difficult conflict is the conflict that happens inside - fear. Fear is that inward conflict. It is my inward response to an outward circumstance. It threatens to distract me from a course of action. Fear can even paralyze a person.
Courage is not the absence of fear. It is action in spite of fear. John Wayne said it this way, “Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway.”
The Apostle Paul was courageous, not because he never had fear, but because in spite of fears he continued to minister.
Outward conflicts and inward fears are tactics used by the enemy to stall the servant of God. They cannot be eliminated but they can be managed. They can be tamed.
What conflict or fear is threatening me today? What is my response?
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Jesus, You have overcome! Your victory is my power over conflicts and fear. Fill me with Your Spirit today. Lead me with wisdom and power. Though conflicts and fears surround me, still I will trust in You and serve You faithfully. Amen!
Tomorrow’s reading -> 2 Corinthians 7:8-16
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