Find Yourself

"Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea. Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath..." Acts 8:40-9:1 



Chuckling inwardly, I read and reread the phrase, "Philip found himself...". The stark contrast of the context in which this is written began took shape. In the midst of great suffering Philip experiences a miraculous event. It would seem he was so wrapped up in doing what God placed in front of him to do that he ignored or, at least, was not hindered in any way by the threats Saul was expressing. 


The dichotomy of finding oneself in the midst of great opposition often leaves us frustrated yet we, hopefully, would not trade those times for anything. Longing to be all we can be; all God would have us be we become disillusioned, discouraged. Facing threats, real or imagined IS a part of finding yourself. Giving out to those you come in contact with in the daily routine IS a part of finding yourself. 


Suffering in the midst of giving out will always be an opportunity to find the source of your strength, your sin, your ministry. My dear friend, trust what God places in front of you today to accomplish, use whatever ability you have for His glory. You will experience suffering...I so wish I could tell you differently. The beauty of it all is, in the end, you will find yourself, and stand amazed at what God can do!