Ephesians 3:8-13 "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (9) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (10) To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (13) Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory."
"That's too hard! I can't do that! There's not enough of us to be able to
do that. Somebody else needs to do that." How many times have we
heard that, or maybe even been guilty of saying it or thinking it? It seems
that is one of the biggest weights that holds God's people back. We allow our
eyes to judge the size of a project and then determine if we are able to do it
or not.
You might be asking, "Why are you talking about this just now?"
I'm glad you asked. The Lord gave Paul a task that, if only seen through
human eyes, would have been impossible. He was sent to the Gentiles to proclaim
the Gospel of our precious Lord Jesus Christ. He did not want to go where
people already had been given knowledge; rather, he wanted to go where they had
never heard the name of Jesus. I've often wondered as to how he approached them
when he would arrive in a new town. The one thing that Paul was certain about
was that the message of the Saviour was real. All mankind has the same malady
and that is we have to deal with a sinful nature. Paul was assured that the
Lord had sent him and that the results were completely reliant upon the work of
the Holy Spirit. He did not go in his own power but knew that grace had been
given him to proclaim grace unto those he came in contact with. Yes, it was
difficult to say the least. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and the message
was rejected by many; yet, Paul remained faithful to the cause. He was
concerned that the people would get disheartened because of his hardship.
"Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is
your glory."
Don't give up! God has called each of us to be witnesses of His amazing grace.
He will bring His desired results by the work of the Holy Spirit.
1 Amazing grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
2 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
3 Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.