This might be the craziest thing I’ve ever written, but given that I haven’t written in FOREVER, why not restart a habit with something that may seem a bit extreme? Because of all the things I could say right now, the concept that seems to be bouncing around within me like a metal pinball bouncing around on the inside of machine was sparked by a statement from service today and it was this: The Apostle Paul didn’t allow his circumstances to dictate his purpose.
While imprisoned in Rome, he continued to write to the churches, encouraging them, teaching them, reminding them of what they were called to, who was leading them, and the unwavering hope that is found in salvation. By this time he had literally experienced it all—attacks by animals and people, shipwrecks and betrayal, distrust and mobs. But he had seen extreme growth in the church and the maturing of believers in their faith.
And yet, while awaiting the end, he remained focused on spreading the Good News about what had changed him from a mercenary to an evangelist. With each passing day, the threat of his impending death neared, but it did not dissuade him from his calling.
As Ps. Aaron put it this morning while discussing the Apostle Paul:
Although his season was dark, his mission wasn’t over. He didn’t let the prison dictate his ultimate purpose.
Now, personally, I have a very hard time with Paul. While reading through the book of Acts this summer, I questioned his decisions, while marveling at God’s faithfulness to preserve and protect him at every turn. Because even as Paul moved in the direction of resistance, he continued to look forward to what he desired the most, to share about his encounter with Jesus that changed his life and what that life had afforded him.
While anticipating an audience with the greatest leader of his day, Paul remained stalwart in his endeavors, writing continuously despite his own predicament. And because he did, Paul’s last testimony became the last one he would give to such small audience. Thousands of years later, millions have read Paul’s testimony, experiencing the dramatic transformation of a man filled with hatred, to one that God used to help lead His Church and strengthen believers until Jesus returns.
So here’s the crazy, wild, unconventional thought: What if we saw everything that tried to delay, dissuade, or discourage us from what God called us to not just as a personal attack on our faith, but as an attempt to destroy the forward momentum of the faith? That whatever you face and experience involves you, but is not always just about you and you use that perspective as fuel to persevere in your calling. Because just maybe you deciding your destiny will be exactly what God has called you to will impact people you may never meet in ways you’ve never imagined and further the faith for entire people groups.
Crazy, I know. Extremely extreme, to be hyperbolic.
But even social media is a very clear example of how we are all tightly interconnected. And even more clearly, the Bible shows the connections that are impactful within a people group over generations…
And as crazy as that thought seems, it makes me want to pursue the things I’ve had my mind on in a renewed way, because quite possibly, getting over myself could allow someone, somewhere to get to where they need to go someday.
So to renewed focus, forward momentum, and greater tenacity.
Until we see Him,
Fia
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