The Profile of a Man Who Knows His Purpose

I am continually fascinated by the courage shown by the Apostle Paul. I have been studying Eph. 3 for about a week now and Paul's character is beginning to surface. First of all, we get the indication that he is suffering to some degree, and most likely he is in prison. As he writes to the believers in Ephesus, he tells them not to be discouraged because God has called him to this end and it is ultimately for their good. These reasons also provides answers as to why he continues to willingly suffer! With that being said, he takes the focus off his dilemma and tells them that he is praying for them! He is praying for them to have divine inner strength so that Christ might have dwell in them with complete authority!

What keeps a man going in the midst of suffering? Certainly, the reason for your suffering makes a huge difference. Paul understood his purpose and calling and was willing to sell out for that purpose. He lived out the teachings from Christ that were given to him to share with us! He understood that this life was temporary and was meaningless apart from the purposes of his God, so he willingly served those purposes and found meaning.

What would you rather have? A safe and secure life or a meaningful life? Are you content going through life making it the best for you while ignoring the purpose that God called you to? Or would you rather pursue the purpose for which God called you, knowing that it is not the safest thing for you? I can only answer that question for myself. As much as the easy life or "American Dream" sounds appealing, I have been called to a higher purpose... one that is not "safe"! I either believe this or I don't... it cannot be just words! What are you willing to sell out for? True meaning or safety and security?

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