Intentional Struggle
Paul struggles so that he can see God’s power work through him.
“That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.”
Paul’s secret…
If he isn’t struggling, God isn’t working inside of him.
Comfortable is an idol. If it’s hard, difficult, a struggle and suffering, run away as quickly as possible.
We will even say, “It’s not God’s will.”
However, Paul rejoices in his suffering for others. He goes so far to say it’s in the struggle he sees God so powerfully at work.
In ministry, you can coast. Life is comfortable. People complain, but life could be worse.
Maybe this is where Satan wants you. Just comfortable enough you think you have God’s power, but not really.
What would it look like to be like Paul? Give of yourself so much, we have to have God come through with powerful strength just for you to survive?