Author’s Note: My church newsletter submission for October. Short and sweet. As I always say, if you aren’t religious, or this kind of post offends you somehow,  please feel free to skip it. How would I know if you did, anyway?

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. (2 Cor 4:8-9 KJV)

When Paul wrote his letters to the church in Corinth, he did so at a time when Christians were beset with challenges and threats from both inside and outside their faith. They lived in fear of those who didn’t accept their beliefs and many were cowed into silence as a means of self-preservation. Sadly, not much has changed in almost 2000 years. Society frowns upon public displays of our faith and many times, it’s easier to keep quiet about our Lord than to face ridicule and possible physical violence for speaking out in praise of His word. The example of Paul’s faith, however, is as much an inspiration to us today as it was to the Corinthians who were trying to find their way in a hostile world. Yes, we face challenges that threaten to turn us from God, but He is always with us, even in the most trying of times. Because we are sanctified in His glory, we need have no fear of our enemies. We can continue on the path to salvation, confident that God is with us as our Rock, Shield and Redeemer.