Our godly man is not perfect. There are weaknesses in his life that bring him pain, but he fights them with the grace of God.

I was given a painful physical ailment, which acts as Satan’s messenger to beat me and keep me from being proud. Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away. But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ’s power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10

Sometimes he feels lonely and vulnerable. Read what the poet writes in Psalm 22.

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

I have cried desperately for help,

but still it does not come.

During the day I call you, my God,

but you do not answer;

I call at night,

but get no rest.

But you are enthroned as the Holy One,

the one whom Israel praises.

And yet, the man who lives in relationship with God realises that God will help him once again. Read Psalm 121 again.

I look to the mountains;

where will my help come from?

My help will come from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

A Christian man knows he can start anew, in spite of his past.  The Lord called Paul to a new life, in spite of the fact that he had violently persecuted the Church of Jesus Christ. In Acts 26:12-19 we read how Paul testified openly about this to King Agrippa.

In Genesis 39:19-23 we read that Joseph experienced God’s presence, even when he was falsely accused and thrown into prison. The believing man knows that God is always with him, and that God has a bigger plan for his life, even when he suffers.  Despite the injustice that Joseph’s brothers had done to him, he could look back and see God’s hand on his life. Read Genesis 45:3-8

The most important is that he praises God in spite of his suffering. Paul and Silas suffered because they proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Acts 16 we read, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them”.

Do you recognise yourself? Can you say: I am he?

Prayer: Lord, help me to be like Paul and do not allow my suffering to separate me from you. May I continue to praise and honour you, even in the midst of hardship. Amen