“Hey FATHER, watch this!”
SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 
Read the passage
BIO: My name is Sue Pollock. Born in California and raised in Colorado and Florida, I have always had a keen appreciation of the beauty God bestowed on America. I married my childhood, Sunday School buddy and together we have two sons, daughters in law and three precious grandchildren. I have an AA and a BA in Early Childhood Education, and Human Services, and hold the Child Development Associate, Advanced Level, Director’s Credential also. I have devoted my career to uplifting the care and education children receive. Relocating to central Florida in 2007, I found a special home at First Presbyterian Church and I’m honored to serve in the capacity as the Director of the William E. Alexander Infant Child Care Center.
KEY VERSE: 2 Corinthians 11:26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.
CENTRAL TRUTH: God rarely gives tasks He has not prepared us to do. We need to prayerfully practice, but He will make us suitable to serve Him in the capacity we are called.
DEVOTIONAL: “Hey Dad, Watch this!” This cry I heard so often raising sons. They boastfully drew their dad’s attention to their blossoming skills and talents. They would holler this from the high dive as inexperience and enthusiasm collided. Paul sounds very boastful in these verses but by using sarcasm he was able to impress on the listener that if he was to be treated like a fool, he would speak like one. Thinking about this I am mindful of how often Christians are discouraged and even shamed for boasting. Fear of appearing to be a braggart makes us avoid acknowledging the God given gifts we truly possess, or sharing the trials we have endured as we strengthen each other in our faith.
I see Paul certainly had the courage to speak the truth, even when this truth would result in horrible scorn and intense pain. Reading about Paul must cause soreness deep in the heart of every Christian. Paul’s life must not be romanticize; he was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, labored, was often naked, cold, thirsty, and hungry all in his service to Jesus Christ. Through prayer to our Lord he endured. His prayer life was as deep as his trials, and it seemed he earned the right to be boastful. He recognized his gifts were of God’s granting, and he pressed on with devotion to Jesus who strengthened him.
Denying gifts that God has blessed us with does not sound as spiritual as sharing acknowledgment, and praising our Lord for these blessings. Paul endured the hardship and basked in the presence of the Lord, making it possible to honor and serve Him. I know that my Heavenly Father has embraced me time and again, when I struggle to use my gifts to honor and glorify Him. As a cancer survivor, an adult child that has lost mother, father and sibling, I have struggled with uncertainty. But fighting my own fears, and standing courageous against those that deny Our Lord Jesus, I pray for courage, strength and passion AND in my head I yell, “Hey FATHER, watch this!”
QUESTION 1: Do you know your spiritual gifts?
QUESTION 2: Are you hesitant to say you do something well, and give God credit?
QUESTION 3: What about Paul’s life inspires you to use your gifts more fully?
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