Footsteps #78

There is no doubt that God accompanied Paul throughout his missionary journeys. Paul had received God’s visionary affirmation, ‘I am with you,’ in Corinth (Acts.18:10). The unadorned statement of God being “with” some­one is a hallmark of divine intimacy and providence. God was with Joseph in Egypt through 17 years of captivity! Countless struggles are documented in scripture of patriarchs and prophets who endured in the ‘with-God life.’ Jesus promised to “Be with us to “the close of the age.” Matt.28:20 

But what can one expect in a “with-God” life? Does such partnership con­vey special protection, divine leading, or inner peace? Perhaps all three! We noticed yesterday Paul’s summary of his ‘with-God life’ (2Cor.11:24-27) which ended in martyrdom. 

The extensive description of Paul’s life in Acts, a life that is known to be under the care of God, provides an opportunity to rightly align our expectations of Christian service with the reality of a “with-God” life. First, it should be noted that Paul’s extensive suffering does not negate the personal protective care of God. Unfortunately, we are mostly ignorant of the events that God prevents. It is interesting to note that God did promise Paul in Corinth that “no one will attack you to harm you” (Acts.18:10). Letting Paul’s wounds from Philippi heal and providing a psychological reprieve from—by today’s standards—torture, shows that God can, and does, set limits on suffering. (c.f.Job.1:12,2:6.)  

Second, suffering can serve greater ends. Paul’s beatings and imprison­ment in Philippi led to the conversion of an unnamed Roman jailer and his family and an apology from the Roman Magistrates.  

Lastly, suffering can serve to authen­ticate our commitment to Christ. Paul recounts a litany of sufferings that he endured, defending his ministry against the attacks of false apostles (2Cor.11:13–29). Words are cheap, and religious profession can be transient. Jesus predicted that “rocky ground” hearers who immediately and joyously receive the “word of the kingdom” can just as readily “fall away” when tribulation or persecution arises. Inversely, enduring tribula­tions would serve to prove authenticity. Paul passes the test, and by God’s grace, we will too.