The apostle Paul's dedication to the Lord was so great that he took pleasure in his weaknesses. It doesn't matter what we feel, but what we believe in the Word. What God tells us has the power to change our behavior and provide us with the faith to always overcome. Jesus said: These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16.33).

When something is afflicting you, do not think about giving up. Just as the Lord overcame, we can demand, in His Name, that evil depart and never return. The Most High has already given us this power, so we need to have the courage to rebuke the devil, who will flee (James 4:7). The saved must not retreat, but rather advance in pursuit of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Our motto is to win; therefore, do not retreat!

If you are slandered or accused of something you didn't do, never confess to the guilt, no matter how strong the pressure is to do so. We were made witnesses of the Truth; therefore, we must say yes to what is yes, and no to what is no (Matthew 5:37). One day, we will be at the judgment seat of Christ and will account for what we have done in this world, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). Always choose the truth!

Why would we dishonor our Savior? No matter the cost to be paid; we must never lie. Certainly, we will be rewarded when Jesus returns for having remained steadfast in His Word, regardless of the losses or gains we might have had. We are the image of the Most High on Earth: Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness (Genesis 1.26a). Do not deny your origin and your purpose.

If you are going through difficulties of any kind, especially within your home or in front of people who do not know the Lord, do not dishonor Him. Needs arise for you to prove that you love Jesus. No matter how much the enemy tries to convince you to retreat, remember: those who flee are mercenaries, but you do not have that calling (John 10:12-13). After all, it was the Almighty who called you, and with Him, you will become a victor (2 Corinthians 2:14).

In the same way, act with integrity during persecutions. At the beginning of my ministry, I was tremendously persecuted, to the point of being forbidden to return to a certain city where the chief of police considered himself above the law. What did I do in the face of the threats? I prayed and went back there as many times as I wanted. Those authorities passed, and I did the work as the Lord wanted. Nothing, absolutely nothing, happened to me. The secret is to walk with Christ and obey Him!

Paul recorded that he took pleasure in his sufferings. I know exactly what that is. Sometimes, the day came to pay for the broadcasts of the programs that aired on TV, but we didn't have the necessary resources. What did we do? We prayed, and God honored us. Pray and trust!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares