THURSDAY, AUGUST 2
Scripture: Galatians 4:13-15

Galatians 4:13-15 says, “You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.” It is interesting to notice that the whole reason Paul was introduced to the Galatian church was because of a physical malady he was battling. It is amazing that even in the trials of life that come at us, God uses and brings something of value out of them. I remember there was a season of about 3 ½ months in which I had ruptured one disk in my back and herniated two others. I was on pain medication, bed-rest, and trying desperately to avoid back surgery. I had about two hours in each day where I knew what spirit I was of and during that period, the Lord kept dealing with me about converts versus disciples. I ended up with a five-message series and the Lord said He wanted me to develop it into a book. Out of that 3 ½ months of indescribable back pain, God birthed a book. The Lord redeems what the enemy intends for destruction whether in life or death! He can redeem trials and bring good out of them whether in life or eternity. Paul was testifying to that as part of his foundation with the Galatian church. As we face adversity, let us look for the redeeming Hand of God. Jesus is our ultimate example of bringing life out of death!