Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.  Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;  II Corinthians 11:24-26
Paul knew about danger.  These verses are not a detailed list of everything he experienced but a recalling of much that the apostle had suffered.  The many times he had been in perils.  Or dangers.  True danger and, no doubt, nothing to which I could completely relate.  I will admit, there are a couple of times when I have genuinely felt in danger.  In real free for my safety.  Without trying to sound dramatic, I can say that in each of these incidences, God supernaturally intervened and protected.
In the above passage, Paul did not list these times and events he had endured in order to seek pity, because he was angry, or even to display his bravado.  No, he wanted to give God the glory.  And, while I don’t think to compare myself to Paul in any way, I do know, love, and serve the same Savior.  The same Lord who not only strengthened Paul (enabling him to endure) but also encouraged him promises to do the same for me.  No matter what I face.  No matter what threatens to overwhelm me.  Whatever keeps my soul anxious or robs my peace.  Christ will give me courage.  He will strengthen me and calm me.  Yes, sometimes (perhaps more often than I know) He even physically protects me.
And, like Paul, I give Him all the glory.  Just  some simple, five-minute thoughts today on the prompt “danger.”  I pray you have a blessed weekend.  Thank you to all who left such nice comments about the new blog look.  I think I will keep it this way for a while 🙂

21 Replies to “Five Minute Friday: Danger”

  1. I loved this, Jennifer! It’s so true…how wonderful to remember that we serve the same God that Paul did! It’s amazing to think of all that he overcame while he lived life on this earth. Do you ever think about getting to meet these heroes in the faith someday? Maybe we won’t care, but I like to think about that from time to time. I can say with you that God has physically protected me and my loved ones from danger many times. I can remember back to last summer when my son Jonah wrecked my car on the interstate…it was raining and he started spinning, and when he stopped, he was in the middle lane facing oncoming traffic, but there were NO CARS around him. He’s done that for all of us! Thanks for sharing this great reminder with us today. I hope you have a great day and a wonderful weekend. Much love!

    1. Jen, I think it is going to be so exciting to meet those we know from the Bible and other heroes of the faith. To have all eternity to hear their stories again…first hand!!

  2. Jennifer, while our dangers may not compare to Paul’s, it’s good for us to remember the times the Lord protected us from danger. We recall His faithfulness in the past so that we have assurance of His faithfulness today and in the days ahead. Blessings!

    1. Recalling His past faithfulness – such a powerful tool and needed daily exercise! Thanks for stopping by, Joanne!

  3. Danger is something I have had the privilege to not worry much about in my life so far… but I know that could change readily. Thanks for your thoughts on it. Whenever I read the passage in Corinthians that you referenced, I am in awe of Paul and the early Christians who suffered to proclaim and share their faith.

  4. Danger is my everyday,
    and it won’t be leaving
    because somewhere along the way,
    I just may stop breathing.
    I thought before of the kill
    that awaited in swift action
    that I could parry with my skill,
    but that is not the fashion
    in which the Lord wants me to go,
    and there’s to that no answer;
    no gunplay, and I’ll be laid low
    by this creeping cancer,
    but it’s OK and I don’t mind
    since Heaven’s what I’m gonna find.

    1. Heaven is definitely your reward!! Helps keep things in perspective! Praying for you this week, Andrew!

  5. It’s so easy to quickly read 2 Corinthians 11, but when we read it slowly, it’s a testimony of God’s faithfulness to carry Paul through each and every danger. And you’re so right, Jennifer, we serve the same amazing God as Paul did! Thanks for today’s encouraging testimonies!

  6. I agree, it is really encouraging to think that God brought Paul through all those dangers and he is with us too whatever dangers or challenges we may face.

  7. ‘Perils’ – such a great word too! I often thank God for the unseen/unknown perils from which His angels protect us over and over again, in answer to our prayers. In His surpassing wisdom, He allows danger to touch us though – and the scriptures are full of such examples – to warn the likes of me from fanciful theology! Blessed be God forever. FMF 37

  8. Very clean, concise look to your blog. I thought I was in the wrong place for a sec…til I saw your pretty mug!!

    I am thankful that I rarely face danger. I have fear for other reasons but usually not because I am in a life-threatening, dangerous situation. Listened to a few moments of an interview with one of the young girls who survived the shooting in Uvalde, Texas. I cannot imagine how such a young child, faced with such danger, was able to think clearly enough to do what it took to survive that horrible ordeal. I pray she heard God’s voice in her ears reassuring her and as she prayed to Him for help.

    1. Always so glad when you pop up in my comments, Leslie! Happy Saturday, friend! I will have to look up that interview…although it might be overwhelming for me.

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