A Life Of Peril And Calling

A Life Of Peril And Calling by Kirk Hunt

In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren

2 Corinthians 11:26 NKJV
Please also read 2 Corinthians 11:22-28 NKJV

The Apostle Paul could have had tenure.  He had the intelligence, education and connections to establish a Christian Academy and live comfortably.  He could have taught and published with zero risk to himself.  Instead, he lived a life of peril.

Paul lived a life of danger, risk and suffering for the Gospel.  Paul’s history, and scars, gave him tremendous credibility among the Roman legions.  Some traditions report that Paul single-handedly evangelized the Praetorian Guard, elite soldiers and body guards of the Caesars.

Personally, I find more comfort in the scarred face of a veteran than the smooth skin of an academic.  I like living proof that it can be done, or at least survived.  I feel better knowing somebody else struggled, stayed with God, and overcame the same “little problems” I face.

Your scars are a blessing.  They give you knowledge and experience you could never get any other way.  They give you credibility with people you might not otherwise effect.

For someone, your scars are comfort and reassurance.  Struggling folks often do not want to hear from someone smooth and polished.  More often, they want to hear from a survivor.  They want to hear from someone just like you.

Think:      The scars, in service for God, are really a blessing.

Pray:         “Lord, help me to faithfully persevere in Your calling on my life.”

 

Copyright © October 2019, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Having Great Faith

Having Great Faith by Kirk Hunt

When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”

Luke 7:9 NKJV
Read also Luke 7:1–10

Jesus did not note great faith amount the Pharisees or the Sadducees.  Jesus instead found faith worth mentioning in the life of a foreigner.  Great faith is not a found intellectual commodity.  Faith in God is something you can develop, if you choose.

Centurions were officers in the Roman legions.  Such men had to distinguish themselves in battle, but they also had to get recommendations from others of rank such as generals or Senators.  Centurions understood authority from giving orders and from following orders.

Jesus’ miracles would have screamed real authority and true power to this veteran soldier.  The centurion understood Jesus’ literal command over life and death.  To the centurion, Jesus’ spoken word of healing might as well be a written order from a superior officer.  Such an order would be obeyed.

Faith does requires a small amount of understanding and belief.  Just as much, faith requires a maximum of willingness to act, based on your understanding and belief.  The centurion acted on his belief that Jesus only needed speak, and his servant would be healed.

The facts and figures are what they are.  What does Scripture say?  What is God telling you in prayer?  What will you now choose to do?

Think:      Anyone with true faith understands the power and authority of Jesus.

Pray:         “Lord, help me to act out my faith in You.”

 

Copyright © October 2019, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.