Be Determined

 

Many Christians say they desire God to use them, but when asked to do something inconvenient, they say, “I didn’t know how hard this was going to be.” If you are going to do something outstanding for God, you have to throw yourself into the call of God and do what is needed, regardless of whether or not it is convenient.

Doing what God has called us to do should be the standard of our lives. It should be more valuable and significant than any comfort or personal desire. Like Paul, we must be willing to do anything required or go to any length to do what God asks. 

If you are going to do something for God, the enemy is not going to stand silently by. He will play havoc with your comfort level. If God asks you to do something outside your comfort zone, don’t complain about it. When you do, you refuse to exercise your faith. You will not do anything significant for God— at least not until you change your attitude.

“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12).

The Kingdom of God suffers violence at the hands of the enemy. You must be more determined than the enemy’s deceptions, hindrances, barriers, and accusations. What is the vision God has given you? That vision is not going to come easily. Satan will come against it in any way he can. That vision must be more important than your need to feel safe and secure. You must be willing to do anything needed to see that purpose succeed. When you claim this determined attitude for your life—when you are determined to pursue God’s purpose at all costs, you will push through hard times and gain ground for the Kingdom of God.

In 2 Corinthians 11:23, Paul reveals his determination to finish God’s call, regardless of what he has to do and regardless of the challenges he has to overcome. 

“Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.”

Paul tells us that, in addition to working hard, he has been physically beaten as he pursued his God-given task of spreading the Gospel. He has received “stripes above measure.”

The Greek word for stripes is “plege” and means “to smite, hit, wound, or violently strike.” The words “above measure” are from the Greek word “huperballo” and means “above and beyond the range of what is normal.”

Paul’s use of these words tells us that he was beaten beyond what we could imagine. The beatings he received were frequent, cruel, and brutal. But Paul never allowed this intense cruelty to affect his commitment to the task God had given him. You must be more challenging than anything the devil brings against you. You are not strong enough to withstand the devil’s onslaughts in your flesh alone. But with the power of the Holy Spirit, you can overcome them.

Paul tells us that he has been “in prisons more frequent.” The Greek word “plulake” for prison means a heavily fortified place of containment. A prison was usually a small, dark chamber where the most dangerous prisoners were heavily guarded. This is what Paul consistently endured. Of course, Paul didn’t desire this, but if going to jail meant that he would accomplish his calling, that was what he was willing to do. He was ready to undergo any inconvenience, pay any price, and go to all lengths to do what God asked of him.

Paul also says that in addition to the beatings and imprisonments he endured, he was “in deaths often.” The Greek word “thanatol” means “deaths.” Paul actually faced physical “deaths” regularly. “When he wrote “I die daily” in 1 Corinthians 15:31, he meant more than just dying to self. He was constantly confronted with the possibility of death. Paul never wanted to face death daily. It was just part of his call to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles. However, he faced it bravely rather than hide from danger and kept moving forward to fulfill his purpose.

Had Paul been less committed, only a few of these difficult experiences would have stopped him. But because he was completely focused on finishing the work God had given him, he pushed beyond each beating, imprisonment, and fear of death. And because of his commitment, we received the Gospel. At the end of his life, he could say, “I have finished my course” (2 Timothy 4:7). 

The Holy Spirit who empowered Paul to overcome each of these hardships is the same Holy Spirit who is available to help you. You don’t have to give up in defeat. If you choose to use the power that is available to you, the Spirit of God will strengthen you and give you victory over any difficulty the enemy uses against you. 

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11).

You have the resurrection power of God inside you. Yield to His power, and it will supernaturally strengthen you to overcome every hindrance and barrier. If you embrace God’s power, He will give you everything you need to endure and wonderfully succeed in the purpose He has given you.  

Be determined to hold on to God’s call for your life and to move forward in the power of the Holy Spirit. One day, you will also say, “I have finished my course.” 

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