Divine appointment with a co-laborer

Recently on my way to a business appointment I prayed that God might connect me with a fellow believer.

He answered that prayer in a big way, not only introducing me to Paul Perry but giving opportunity to be encouraged by a young man whose gifts include commitment to a devotional under the title "Strides of Faith."

Paul's posts reflect a mature faith, an understanding of the trials of this life, and a devotion to prayer and the Word. In one post I will reference here, he focused on the subject of perserverance.

"As we conclude the first installment of these devotions," he wrote in part, "I would like to reflect on situations that we have overcome. Think about the trials, the anger, the pain -- and the words your Heavenly Father gave you while you were in your trial. What words have you never forgotten? Will you take a moment to share your situation with a person in need?"

A note of encouragement to fellow believers! "Overcomers," as our LORD Jesus has overcome death itself and prepared the way for life eternal with the Father.

"Remember overcoming is just the beginning," Paul cautioned. "Trials bring us closer to God. Think about it -- when is your prayer life the strongest? The Lord takes our trials and our tests and makes them our testimony."

James 1:2-4 NKJV: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

In keeping with all of his devotionals, Paul also addressed the area of life application, suggesting:

"If you have recently come out of a trial, take a moment to reflect on what the Lord has taught you in your trial. Ask Him for discernment to learn how to make the message applicable in your life. Remember He has put you through a process for His purpose and your message is meant to encourage, edify or teach another person."

He continued: "Please don’t be deceived into thinking that the trial was for no reason and that your struggle was purposeless. One of the most amazing things about being a child of God is that He has allowed us to co-labor with Him in spreading the Good News to others. In the Christian faith He has given us meaning, purpose, direction as well as a calling. And the trial that you may experience is all for the glory of God."

"Please remember He has given us a calling," he continued. "Matthew 28:18-20 reads: “Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age'.”

We know, Father, that your desire is relationship with all people, created in Your image but subject to death and separation from You without the power of Your saving grace. I give thanks again today for the precious, encouraging gift of relationship with other believers as we walk through this life. To You be the glory!