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 exceptional for God, you have to throw yourself into His call 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 deception, 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 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 revealed his determination to finish God’s call, regardless of what he had to do and the challenges he had 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 said that, in addition to working hard, he had been physically beaten as he pursued his God-given task of spreading the Gospel. He had received “stripes above measure.” 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 determined than anything the devil brings against you. You cannot withstand the devil’s onslaughts in your flesh alone. But with the power of the Holy Spirit, you can overcome them.
Paul said that he has been “in prisons more frequent.” 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 said that in addition to the beatings and imprisonment he endured, he was “in deaths often.” 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 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.
Submit to God, and He will strengthen you to overcome every deception and obstacle. If you embrace God’s power, He will give you everything you need to endure and 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. Be willing to give everything.
May I also be faithful as those who have given everything, laboring hard and enduring whatever comes. One day, may I be able to say as Paul, “I have finished my course,” and hear you saying, “well done, my good and faithful servant.”
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