(2 Tim 3:10-12 NLT) But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Faith and Patience VOL III – Never Give Up!” by continuing with “The Big Picture.” Paul is a great example of someone who refused to quit. Looking back on what he had been through Paul said, “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 stoned, 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 own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 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” (2nd Cor 11:23-27). Paul had the tremendous task of taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles in the first century, at a time when his assignment was extremely dangerous. However, Paul was committed to finishing at God’s desired destination for his life and he refused to accept anything less. You only get one life, so why not maximize it? Once you believe you know what God’s purpose for your life is, you must pursue it with wreckless abandon. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from maximizing your purpose and potential. But rest assured that it will not come to you on a silver platter. You will face opposition if you are going to accomplish anything of significance in the Kingdom of God. The devil is not going to sit by and watch you fulfill God’s plans and purposes for your life. He will come at you, but you must be determined to NEVER give up, cave in, or quit!
When writing to his Spiritual son, Paul reminds Timothy that he had been a witness to many of the challenges he faced along the way. Timothy knew what Paul went through and he learned from Paul’s determination. Thinking about all he went through Paul said, “The Lord rescued me from all of it.” It wasn’t always easy and it wasn’t always pleasant, but the Lord saw Paul through it all. While contemplating on his own life and the opposition he faced along the way, Paul said, “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2,000 years later his words still ring true.
So what does this mean to you today? A few quick things:
1. God has Kingdom plans and purposes for your life.
2. The devil is not going to idly sit by while you maximize your divine purpose and potential.
3. Spiritual and natural opposition will come to keep you from fulfilling your life’s purpose.
4. You must be so determined to complete our life’s assignment that you refuse to quit.
5. It’s not always going to be easy, but with God you will always come out on top.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for this reminder. As I look at the life and legacy of Paul I am reminded of the bulldog tenacity and dogged determination that is required to fulfill my life’s assignment. First of all, I thank You for Your grace. I have messed up so many times that I have felt like I disqualified myself along the way. But thank You for reminding me that I can’t disqualify myself from what You have qualified me for. I receive Your assignment by Your grace and I seek to fulfill it by faith. I face every day knowing that I am not perfect, but I am forgiven, I am Your child, You are with me, and You will see me through every challenge that comes my way. No matter how strong the opposition, how high the obstacle, or intense the pressure gets, I REFUSE TO QUIT! I am determined to maximize Your divine purpose for my life. I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
