April 12th, 2024

The apostle Paul endured hardship and persecution on a scale few others have ever experienced yet he never wavered. He declared, “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). I started to say he was fearlessly obedient, but I doubt that was the case. No one faces brutal beatings and stoning without fear, not even Paul. I think it would be more accurate to say he was obedient despite his fears; that is he never let fear control him.

“…when we came into Macedonia…we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within.”

— 2 Corinthians 7:5 (NIV)

Lord Jesus help us to be obedient whatever the risks. Amen.