Scripture to Read: 1 Timothy 5:23
The devotion today could become very controversial. As we read 1 Timothy 5:23, God tells Timothy, through Paul, that Timothy was to add a little wine to his diet. From what we read from God’s Word, Timothy was to drink the wine to help Timothy’s stomach and aid in some of the illnesses with which Timothy was suffering. So, because this is God’s Word to us, do we start adding wine to our diet? The answer is definitely, “no.” Why would God have Paul tell Timothy to drink a little wine? Because the water in the ancient world was not like the water we drink today. The water in Paul and Timothy's day was often impure. No doubt Timothy was suffering from stomach problems by only drinking water. Since wine is made through the fermentation process, the wine's fermenting would kill off some of the harmful things in the water. The wine in Paul and Timothy's day could be compared to some modern-day medications that give relief to our digestive system when it is upset. God could have healed Timothy very easily, but God chose to use this as a lesson to Timothy (and to us) that not all illnesses will be healed this side of heaven. God teaches us through the tests and trials of this life, including physical ailments that we face. God tells us in James 1:2-3 that we are to consider it joy when we go through trials because the trials test our faith, which produces God's endurance in us.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about physical ailments and facing tests and trials in this life?
2. How are you living out the fullness of God’s joy through the tests and trials of this life?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!