Scripture Reading: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has granted me [the needed] strength and made me able for this, because He considered me faithful and trustworthy, putting me into service [for this ministry]”- 1 Timothy 1:12 [AMP]

In Thursday night bible study we have been working our way through the book of Acts, and it’s been a pretty exciting journey thus far.

Last night we started into chapter 9, which begins with the story of the conversion of the Apostle Paul. It’s a very powerful story, and what was probably a very humbling experience for Saul (as he was then known) as well.

That experience would eventually be the start of a whole new way of life for him, and a redirection of his plans.

Whereas he was once a persecutor of the church, God would now use him to be a pillar, a source of strength and encouragement, and a teacher and guide to the people of God; a tremendously huge undertaking, to say the least

But, Paul acknowledges, in his letter to Timothy, that it is ‘God’ who has given him the needed strength and enabled him (or made him able) to do the work, in spite of his past; and he was thankful for it.

His acknowledgement of God’s enablement to do the work of the ministry stuck with me, because I recognize that same enablement and provision in my own life over and over.

I could not do ‘one thing’ that would count for ‘anything’ without God’s enablement and provision of ‘needed’ strength.

And today, I believe as well, that God desires to always give us the needed strength to do His work, and enable us to do whatever His will may be for us individually. We don’t have to go at life and ministry alone and on our own.

In our times of weariness and exhaustion, If we’d only ask, the provision we need will be there (see Matt. 11:28-30).

Lord, today we thank you for the privilege and honor that you’ve given us to be numbered among those that are called by your name and for your purpose. We are living in some very challenging times, and we are very much in need of your strength. Enable us to do your will and make a difference for the glory of your name!
Thank You Lord.

In Jesus Name.

May God continue to Bless and Strengthen Each of You,

Pastor Lowe