Photograph by Markus Mayer https://mm-fotos.at/ http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.de source: https://www.evangeliums.net/fotos/64_spuren_im_sand.html#

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“For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12/KJV).

When Paul was converted to believe in Jesus some extraordinary experiences were involved. He saw an overwhelming light, he heard an audible voice, he fell to the ground and he was blind for three days. He was healed from his blindness when Ananias, a believer in Jesus laid his hands on him and prayed for him.

Some who get converted to believe in Jesus do experience great joy. Others maybe weep as they become aware of their sinfulness. Several appear not to be particularly moved emotionally.

As you live with Jesus, as you spend time in prayer, as you read the bible, as you attend services and as you fellowship with other believers you may become emotionally aware of God’s love.

Yet in Christian life there also may be days that are less pleasant. At times you may have many things to be unhappy about. Some would refer to such days as desert experiences.

When Paul was writing the above words, he was a prisoner. He had been preaching Jesus Christ. There were those who disliked his preaching.

Certainly Paul would have experienced many happy days in his Christian life and in fellowship with other believers. That was great.

Yet he did not rely on emotional experiences. He did not put his trust in his feelings.

When you experience high emotions you may think God is near you and God is with you. Yet Paul had learned to trust in God rather than in his emotions.

He had given his life to God for God to be his shepherd. He did trust God in the same way as David praying in Psalm 23: “Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4/KJV).

Apart from emotions and spiritual experiences there are other things people tend to rely on. Some tend to be very aware of their religious activities or achievements. Others may be proud of having sat at the feet of some great preachers. Some may put their trust in having grown up in a good Christian family.

Paul had been suffering a lot at the hands of other people. He was concerned about what would really carry him through when things get tough.

He exclaims:

“…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

Paul had come to know God. He did not need great faith. Rather he trusted in a great God.

Paul had committed all his life and his faith to God. He was fully convinced that God would be able to keep him in faith.  God would be able to carry him through even unto the day of divine judgment.

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