Calling and Purpose 35—When Life Gets Harder 1--Paul
We sometimes think that if we were clear on our calling and purpose, our lives would be smoother, better somehow. If you haven’t already, go back and read Calling and Purpose 7—The Apostle Paul for context before reading on.
After his encounter with Jesus and for the remainder of his life on earth, Paul was clear about his purpose: Paul was called to be the apostle to the Gentiles—to bring them the Good News of Jesus, while planting churches in the Gentile part of the world.
This clarity does not mean that Paul’s ministry was all smooth-sailing. To the contrary, much of it was downright difficult. We learn in 2 Corinthians 11 that Paul was not only criticized but also thought of as a lesser apostle by some. As part of his writing, he reminds the Corinthians about his full engagement with Jesus’ ministry no matter the cost:
“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?…In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands” (v. 23-33).
Not exactly a litany of “prosperity gospel” living! In fact, Paul’s faithfulness to God’s calling resulted in much persecution BECAUSE Paul was being faithful and there were results—conversions, churches, ministries—that threatened the status quo (and the enemy of people’s souls).
There were times when it appears Paul and his companions were truly tempted to give up: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers” (2 Corinthians 1:8-11).
The thread throughout these passages—these letters—is that Paul, in spite of his sufferings, always pointed back to Jesus—to Jesus’ own sufferings, to the surpassing greatness of the eternity with God that awaits, to God’s immeasurable grace and comfort and provision.
In 2 Corinthians 4 Paul details that he and his companions felt hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted and struck down. But, he also says in spite of all this, they were not crushed, not despairing, not abandoned, not destroyed (v. 7-12).
He goes on to say how he and they managed in the midst of their ongoing hardships: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
· Where are you pursuing God’s purpose for your life—and are encountering obstacles or opposition?
· How does reflecting on Paul’s situation give you encouragement (courage) to continue?
Additional Resources:
• Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and law enforcement leadership for over 30 years. Shirley has been EquipConnectServe Director at a 1200-member church in Boulder, Colorado since 1999. She has worked with leaders and organizations in 47 of the United States as well as having clients outside the U.S. Contact Shirley.
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Photo (c) Wallace E. Giles, All rights reserved.