The apostle Paul was very influential in the spread of Christianity in the early church. He traveled to many places, sharing the good news of Christ and starting churches in many of these cities. He wrote letters to these churches and individuals as well, which became many of the books in the New Testament that we read today. Paul was put in prison and suffered many physical beatings throughout his ministry, even to the point of his death. Some of his letters were written when he was in prison, but they are filled with encouragement to persevere and to have hope, no matter what persecution or trials you may face in life.
Paul was willing to suffer because he was faithful to the message he was called to share. His experience with Christ changed his life and gave him a vision to go forward. While we may not have a vision, or dream to change the world for Christ and suffer quite the way Paul did, I think we can learn something from the way Paul lived out his call and vision. When he discovered this call and vision for his life, he continued to hold on to hope, especially when things were difficult. He chose to continue on no matter how hard the journey became. Paul was focused on the calling God had for his life.
As we discover the vision and dreams that God is calling us to, then we can also hold on to hope. If you face challenges in living these dreams out, know that God is always there for you. Focus on the reason that you are set to live out this particular calling that God has given for you. You can rejoice no matter how difficult the journey may be because you have God on your side, directing you to live out these God-given dreams and visions!
“In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us imposters. We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.” (2 Corinthians 6:4-10)
Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministries
