Day 2 – Paul's Tenacity - Brethren in Christ U.S.

January 6, 2025

By Bishop Ron Bowell, Midwest Conference

Scripture meditation: Galatians 6:9

One of the great heroes of the Christian faith is the Apostle Paul. Once you leave the Gospels, his persona dominates the New Testament. Other than Jesus himself, Paul probably influenced the early Church more than any other individual.

But why would God choose a persistent persecutor of the faith as an apostle of grace? We get a glimpse of the “why” when we read the book of Acts. In his dogged pursuit of the people of “the Way,” Paul worked day and night to stamp out the early Jesus movement. He was a tenacious and highly focused individual who loathed the idea of “giving up.”

God knew what he was doing when he chose to redeem Paul’s tenacity and call him to spread the gospel through the Roman Empire of that day. This trait would be a transferable necessity in Paul’s calling to start new churches in a world filled with hostile religious and political forces. Paul would face beatings, hunger, poverty, stoning, and constant persecution. But through it all, Paul simply would not give up.

One of the marks of genuine conversion is a changed life. God takes who we are and redeems what we have for use in his Kingdom. After the Damascus road experience, Paul never saw things the same way again. His life’s direction and purpose changed dramatically. God redeemed Paul’s tenacity, and the rest of his life became a sacrifice to the Lord. The converted prosecutor became the chief defense attorney for Jesus and the gospel. Without ceasing, and despite intense pressure and continuous peril, Paul shared the truth, grace, love, and salvation found in Jesus.

Being an obedient disciple still carries a cost. Serving the Lord comes with a cross. There is no easy way to be a genuine follower of Jesus (Matthew 10:22).

The darkness hates the light, but we are called to lift God’s light before our neighbors and the world. Liars hate the truth, but we are called to speak the truth in love. Sin hates the name of Jesus, but we are called to lift up his name everywhere we go and in all we do. There will be increasing resistance. But do not give up.

Prayer

Father, help me to remember that you have called me to tenacity, not timidity. Help me to use the traits you have given me as I find ways to share your truth and grace with those you place on my path. Jesus, help me to never give up! Amen.