I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 2 Corinthians 11:27
A highway patrolman was wounded and his partner was killed by a motorist they had stopped to question. He was asked how he felt about going back to work. He replied: “I’m a Christian. I know if something happens to me, I’ll see my wife and family again – in heaven.”
Some occupations are more dangerous than others. Yet they need to be filled. We need officers of the law who, at great risk to themselves, protect us.
Some might consider the Christian ministry a very safe profession. But it also is beset by perils, both physical and spiritual. This is especially true of missionaries who go into pagan lands and into countries where an anti-Christian philosophy prevails in government and society. It was true of the apostle Paul, who in the performance of his calling was beaten, stoned, involved in shipwrecks, and endangered by bandits. In the end he suffered a martyr’s death in Rome. He said that Christ had loved him and had given His life for him. In gratitude he gave his life for Christ.
When it comes to work that needs to be done, and we are especially qualified to do it, the threat of danger need not deter us. All due caution should, of course, be exercised. And training should be sought to increase one’s competence to cope with hazards. Christian workers deem trust in God as especially important. They implore the presence and protection of His guardian angels. Each day, as they go to work, they can commit themselves into God’s hands.
What the highway patrolman said – about his belief in heaven – is of the greatest importance to Christians. It expresses belief in the life to come. Death comes to all of us sooner or later. While we live, we have the assurance of reunion with our loved ones in heaven. This assurance removes fear about the risks of our everyday work. Life is safe for those who are at peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, grant me the protection of Your holy angels as I do my work. Amen.
(Devotions from "With Jesus Every Day" copyright 1997, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)
Today's Bible Readings: 2 Kings 4-6 James 2
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