“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Trouble can be defined as continual mental, emotional, or physical distress. They are difficulties that cause disturbing suffering and disruptions to our lives. Some are huge, but some are small. Regardless, trouble is no fun whatsoever.
With the way the world is going, there is no shortage of trouble. First of all, we may have personal troubles. Add to this the global, political, cultural, spiritual and financial climates, and troubles abound. Whether they are personal or universal, Jesus said, ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’. What is important is that we do not break when we are going through troubles. We must stay strong by continuing…
TO EAT ANYWAY…
“Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head. After he said this, he took some bread… broke it and began to eat.” Acts 27:34-35
Paul was in big trouble aboard a ship headed for Rome. There was a huge storm and they were at DEATH’S door. But an Angel spoke to Paul and told him all would be saved. Paul tried to encourage the 276 souls with him but they struggled to believe. In an attempt to reassure them, ‘He took some bread, gave thanks and began to eat in front of them all’. Acts 27:36 says, ‘They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.’ Bread symbolizes God’s Word, and by continuing to feed (read, study and attend church), we too can be a source of comfort to others. Bread also represents strength (will and fight), health (good immune system) and a blessed life (favor).
…AND GIVE THANKS ALWAYS.
“…He took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all…” Acts 27:35
The bread was given for their physical bodies, but thanks was given to plant a spiritual seed in their hearts. Paul wanted those with him to know that God was the provider of their needs, and their salvation from the storm. Gratitude recognizes God’s presence in our troubles and that He is the source of deliverance from them. Paul wrote in I Thessalonians 5:18, ‘Give thanks in all circumstances…’ Our testimony in trouble - keep feeding and trusting.
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