Unstoppable purpose
God prepares hearts to hear His word, and He uses us—even in difficult and uncertain circumstances—to carry His message forward.
In Acts 18, we find Paul in Corinth, facing challenges and uncertainty.
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’” Acts 18:9-10 (NIV)
With this encouragement, Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, faithfully teaching God’s word. From there, Paul traveled to Ephesus and then to Jerusalem, stopping along the way to encourage believers (Acts 18:18–23).
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 (NIV)
Paul faced threats, mistreatment, and imprisonment. Yet these challenges never distracted him. He wasn’t focused on self-preservation or avoiding hardship; his only goal was to fulfill the call God had placed on his life.
“for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29 (NIV)
God’s gift and His call can never be withdrawn.
Paul faced fierce opposition. Religious leaders beat him, imprisoned him, and sought to silence him.
“The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.’” Acts 23:11 (NIV)
God wasn’t finished with Paul yet.
“But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.” Acts 23:16 (NIV)
God made a way through the plots and schemes to preserve Paul’s life. He was escorted safely to Caesarea, where he stood trial before Felix, the governor. Felix found no reason to condemn him, not even a character weakness.
“So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” Acts 24:16 (NIV)
Unwilling to take a stand, Felix delayed his decision and Paul was under house arrest for two years.
“Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, ‘That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” Acts 24:24-25 (NIV)
Paul reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgement to come. Felix was afraid. Felix was convicted.
God’s call on our lives is not dependent on our circumstances or the approval of others.
What might God be calling you to do today? Are you willing to persevere through trials, trusting that He is at work even when the path seems uncertain?
I want to encourage you to keep your focus on the task God has given you, confident that His plans for you cannot be thwarted. No trial, threat, or delay can silence the call of God on your life.
