I’ve always loved the English language. I love words and the way they communicate different feelings and ideas. When I was in Grade School, one of my teachers informed me that I might be a writer someday. I had no idea how that prediction would be fulfilled, but God is amazing! I am so blessed to see where the Lord has led and the opportunities He’s provided for me to use my talents.

I love God's Word and I love to encourage and exhort others to believe in God, have faith, and never give up. I am glad that the Lord has allowed me to combine both of these aspects, along with my personal experiences, so that He is able to speak words of encouragement to His people.

It is my desire that whatever I do be in God’s will for my life. My goal for this ministry is simply to let the world know that God loves them and that Jesus is the only answer to every problem or situation they are experiencing. As a church leader I’m always looking for a way to – be in the lives of our people outside of Sunday services. If I can encourage just one person to trust the Lord through our church’s personal devotionals we call "The Word for you Today" published quarterly, or these online Inspirations and words of encouragement, I have fulfilled my purpose.

My hope is that these devotionals will speak to the reality of your daily walk with the Lord. Please feel free to forward your comments and feedback to our attention, or if you wish to inquire how to order one or more of our published devotionals, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact us at (513) 681-1011 or info@fbcwch.org

God Bless,
Pastor Charles L. King, Jr.

"We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety."

—2 Corinthians 1:8–11 (NLT)

Paul says in verse 8-9 that he and his companions endured hardships and they suffered. They were under great pressure. Ever feel that way? Do you ever feel like the situations in your life are out of control, like you are not sure that you can deal with any more pressure or suffering? Paul was there. It says in verse 8 that they despaired, even of life—meaning, they weren’t sure if they would live through it to tell you and I about it. That is trouble. In verse 9 Paul says that in their hearts they felt the sentence of death. But here is the key: Paul said, "...as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead." Wow!

When we are concerned whether we will live or die through our trials, we had better consider making sure we are right with the one who controls life and death. Paul affirms a spiritual principle worth noting here: namely that whatever we are going through, life-threatening or not, God is the god of resurrection. When we feel there is no hope whatsoever, God is the god of resurrection. He is the LORD of life! We need to celebrate that! Physical life, emotional life, relationship life and most importantly spiritual life! God is life.

Notice also verse10 and 11. Paul said that God had rescued them from danger and will continue to rescue them, as the people continue to pray. God listens to the prayers of his people. Paul knew the power of prayer and that he needed it to fight the spiritual battles that he had to face nearly daily in his ministry. He knew that if his prayer life was not current and vital, and that if other people were not praying for him and his ministry, that he would not be successful in bringing others to Christ.

Paul says that the severe trials he experienced resulted in a greater reliance on God. Perhaps that is the main reason God allows trials in our lives. Another reason is to bring the whole body of believers together. Paul's trials led him to ask for prayer, the prayers were answered, and the faith of many was deepened. We should not hesitate to ask for prayer. Other believers need to be made aware of our needs. We also need to tell them when their prayers are answered, so that they can give thanks to God and see their own faith bolstered.

Are you facing trials this morning? Are you facing challenges that are getting you down? Are you tempted sometimes to cut and run? Face life in Paul’s direction—keep your eyes on the finish line—don’t stop meeting with God’s people, stay connected through prayer, recount His faithfulness, will yourself to praise and worship, and get accountable.

It is a test of faith. Can God trust you this morning?

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