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Stay Focused In Tough Times |
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"BUT ONE THING I DO..." - PHILIPPIANS 3:13 The apostle Paul was laser-focused on his purpose. He was on a mission to preach the word of God and nothing could stop him, not even bad people and circumstances. He had suffered before and survived, but it was different this time. He was in the custody of the Romans. Paul always wanted to preach in the city of Rome, the capital of the mighty Roman Empire and the center of the universe in his time. He had planned to come to Rome on a number of occasions, but he was hindered for a variety of reasons. Now his dream would come true. "So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also" (Romans 1:15). He planned to stop in Rome on his way to Spain following a short trip to Jerusalem to help the poor saints (Romans 15:2233), but unbelieving Jews were waiting for him in Jerusalem where he was arrested and accused of stirring up trouble (Acts 21:26-36). He would eventually come to Rome, but in a round about way. Following his arrest on trumped up charges, Paul appeared before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council, and then Felix, the Roman governor, before appealing to Caesar, his right as a Roman citizen (Acts 25:1-12). He was transferred to Caesarea and then sailed to Rome with other prisoners where he was under house arrest chained to a Roman soldier awaiting the outcome of his appeal. Nevertheless, Luke the inspired historian records: "Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one for bidding him" (Acts 28:30-31). How could Paul maintain his spiritual focus instead of whining and complaining about his problems or stirring up sympathy for his unfortunate plight? Paul had a single purpose for living: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). A small obstacle like prison could not stop him from accomplishing his purpose. It even enhanced his preaching because "the whole palace guard" (Philippians 1:13) had heard about Jesus. Someone said that the biggest mistake Satan made was imprisoning Paul! Instead of staying focused upon our purpose in tough times, we sometimes look for excuses not to fulfill our responsibilities, but if we stay on message, we can overcome anything, even the arrows and slings of our adversary, the devil. We can be an unstoppable force in the world as the people of God if we ask the question in all circumstances: has the gospel been preached? "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11: 1).
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