II Corinthians 11:23-27 “23 Are they servants of Christ?-I speak as if insane-I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; 27 I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.”

LIFE’S NOT FAIR

Have you ever known a complainer? I mean someone who constantly whines about how bad they have it? You mistakenly greet them with, “Hey, how are you?” Then you spend then next 30 minutes listening to their every little ailment and life challenge. Don’t hear me wrong! We should be concerned for others and truly care for them. But many of us just complain too easily.

Look at Paul’s life after his conversion. Talk about having a bad day! He was constantly harassed and threatened. Even when he was purusing the Lord’s will in his life, he faced challenges. I need to learn to keep my mouth shut when I compare my “sufferings” with Paul’s.

TEACHING MOMENT

Do your kids complain? I bet they do sometimes. They can’t find their favorite toy or tv show. They don’t like what you have prepared for dinner. They don’t want to go to Grandma’s house. What whiners! Lol But these are opportunities to talk to them about how blessed they are. Read them this passage. Tell them a story you may know about a missionary friend who struggles to just wash clothes in clean water. Being grateful is something that we have to teach our kids. We don’t want them to take things for granted, and we want them to know from whom these blessings come. Amen? Let it start with you.