God rarely calls us when it’s convenient. At least that’s what I’ve learned. It seems like the call comes when we’re dealing with our own problems. Maybe we’re not feeling our best, and often feel totally unequipped. Is there ever a perfect moment? Life will always have its ups and downs. The perfect moment is actually right now when God calls, because it’s not about us, it’s all about Him. That’s not an easy perspective to have, is it? And that’s why I love Paul’s example. In Ephesians 3 and elsewhere in the Bible Paul calls himself “a prisoner of Christ.” He said this when he was a prisoner of Rome, but his statement revealed his understanding of who was in control of his life. It was a choice Paul made, to make Jesus Lord over his life. To not allow circumstances or hardships to keep him from the call of God. When Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20)” he really meant it. We see it in how he not only lived his life but in how he faced his death. Paul was not only imprisoned, he was beaten and persecuted and eventually beheaded because of his unwavering commitment to Christ. Through all he went through his attitude remained positive. Could we say what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:7-10:
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
Paul had an eternal perspective. He knew his life on earth was temporal and yet what he did while on earth would impact eternity. It’s the same with our lives. What would our lives look like if we had this eternal perspective? If we were more focused on the call of God than paying our bills or striving to attain something this world claims has value. No condemnation here – I’m speaking to myself too. I think if we’re honest, we could all admit to the need for a paradigm shift so that we not only see but live out more fully God’s eternal purposes in our lives. Is anyone else willing to admit it? This is why Paul’s example speaks so loudly to me. I know in and of myself I am weak, BUT GOD!! He promises that in our weaknesses His strength is perfected. It’s about our heart condition. When our hearts are to live more fully for God, He will give us the grace to do so. We may never be beaten or beheaded for Christ, but we can live more boldly for God so that our lives point others to Jesus, saving them from the clutches of hell. If you’re reading this, I believe that is your heart. Mine too. I pray for God’s limitless grace to flood your life and mine today. That we would see life through an eternal lens and be compelled by the love of God to shine brighter each day. That we would find the true joy that comes from living for the eternal rather than the temporal. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Below is a teaching I did recently from Ephesians 3:1-13. I share a little more about Paul’s amazing example as well as the “mystery of God” and a special message for the church that God placed on my heart. As we’ve entered the holiday season, I pray for peace and joy for all as we keep Christ at the center of our lives. Blessings!
