Basket journey!
2 Corinthians 11:33”…but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.”
Well, when we travel in a train, we call it train journey, can I call this ‘basket journey’ because Paul travels down the window to the ground in a basket? As you scroll down the message, you would know what I mean! Each time I read of this incident of Paul being let down through a window in a basket, I end up with moist eyes - choked with emotions. A well learned, dignified man of God had to squeeze himself inside a basket, hold a rope and run away from cheap Jacks like a criminal; it must have been a humiliating journey for Paul. Friend, who said being a Christian and serving God are easy? The battle begins now!
After serving the Lord for about a decade in a city, we were commanded by the Lord to relocate our ministry. With two children in their crucial stage of education, it was not easy at all; yet, we not only said ‘yes’ but also immediately closed shop in the present place, to move into the new zone. Do you think the process was easy? No. We did not have the basic transport expenses for the relocation; but that did not deter our decision, though. On the day of our move, after the painful packing and arranging, I boarded the train along with my maid and son only to have a marriage party travel along with us in the same compartment who made our lives miserable by jumping, dancing and singing the whole night. I landed the new city with severe headache; we had none to even help us with our luggage, since I was travelling alone with my son. Did not Jesus say: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Mathew 16:14)
Hudson Taylor, missionary sent to China wrote: ”On landing in Shanghai on March 1, 1854, I found myself surrounded with difficulties that were wholly unexpected.” Yes friend, never get discouraged when you are encircled with trials and agony as you step forward to get close with God; He would give you the grace to come out unscathed. I still wonder how I crossed the initial phases of uncertainty in our ministry! Purely grace sustained us! Amen.
Friend, every cloud has a silver lining, here we read that the disciples of Apostle Paul took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall! Glory! Did you read the words ‘disciples’? Through the ceaseless efforts of Paul in Damascus, Paul was able to raise a group of daring and caring men, who were ready to risk their lives for Paul. Hallelujah! Remember, they were defying just not an ordinary person but King Aretas who was hunting for Paul! (2 Corinthians 11:32)
Fear not! Bravely confront the evil forces that come against you, as you take a stand for Christ! All these struggles can never destroy you, but they would make you champs for Christ! Stay firm! Are you in a ‘basket journey’ of afflictions and sorrow? Hold on to the rope, He would help you have a safe landing!
