When life troubles you and your peace is robbed by your circumstances, take heart. The writer of 2 Corinthians provides a profound example of what it means to endure during trying circumstances. Whilst in prison Paul pleaded with God to have his impediment removed that encumbered his performance as an apostle of Christ. However God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness”.
Paul wrote most of the books in the New Testament whilst he was imprisoned. His testimony was one of the most remarkable stories ever heard. At the time, Paul lived a life of persecuting the New Testament Church, which Peter, Stephen, Ananias and Jesus’s disciples were establishing throughout Israel and Judea. He worked for the Roman Empire and was known as a zealot for Rome. However, through his prowess, Jesus met Saul who later became Paul on the road to Damascus. Jesus struck him down and blinded him and asked “why Saul are you persecuting Me?” Saul asked who are your Lord? Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads” from this encounter Saul arose and he was blinded until Ananias was called to take the scales off his eyes. (Acts 9)
The power of testimonies lies in their words of encouragement and realization. They are the words spoken in season when life is tough and hope is required. As my pastor said in one of his Sunday sermons, “You cannot dispute a personal testimony; because it belongs to you, it is your story to encourage the reader or the hearer. Just like Paul’s testimony on the road to Damascus and meeting Jesus.
