Paul’s Example in Faithfulness and Commitment to God

Paul’s Example in Faithfulness and Commitment to God

In times of uncertainty, fear, or opposition, our faith is tested. The Apostle Paul stands as a powerful example of unwavering commitment to the Lord, walking by faith and not by sight. As he prepared to journey to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary trip, fellow believers warned him of the hardships he would face—persecution, imprisonment, and possibly death. Yet, his heart was set on fulfilling his calling, not deterred by fear but strengthened by his deep conviction in God’s purpose for his life.

Warnings Before Jerusalem

Paul was no stranger to suffering for the sake of the gospel. In Acts 20:22-23, he declares to the Ephesian elders that he is "bound in the spirit" to go to Jerusalem, fully aware that bonds and afflictions awaited him. Despite this knowledge, he remains steadfast, saying, "None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 20:24). His determination was not reckless but rooted in a profound trust in God’s plan.

Q-A: Why do we go through Suffering? Suffering does for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

Q-A: Are you waiting for God's will to be revealed?

Back in the day, I can recall praying and asking God to reveal His will to me; to reveal His will in my job, to show me the way to go in my Christian walk and in my ministry. I don't doubt that God led me and guided me in His own way, and I certainly do not doubt where I am today in my relationship with Him and my family, but I have also learned over time that the options in life and the decisions you face is ultimately your will and in your control. God is not going to tell you what job to choose, or if you must marry or not. He is not going to tell you to buy a house or in what stocks to invest. He is not going to reply to those fleeces you put out or use booming billboards to answer your prayers. This is YOUR life and the decisions you make are your own, and the direction you choose is yours to make. God entrusts you with the power to choose your path, but where your path ends up will be by how much of that power you choose to entrust back to God.