Central Truth

Find your ministry and don't fight the battle alone!

Reflections

In these verses I am struck again by Paul’s character during his struggles while imprisoned in Rome. Paul sounds down yet undeterred. He feels abandoned although Luke was with him. In these versus he mentions some struggles and disappointments. He was betrayed by Alexander in verse 14. He was frustrated by the response of his message or lack of. In verse 16 talking of his defense, “no one supported me, but all deserted me."

But the amazing thing about Paul is he never has a “pity party” for himself. I am sure he felt all the emotions that you and I would feel about rejection. But he never allows that to become his focus. Instead, Paul keeps his focus on Christ and the ministry Christ has called him to. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul tells us to run the race and keep his focus on Christ.

But most of us are not called to take the gospel to regions far beyond our immediate lives. Nor do many have Paul’s temperament and drive. But we are all called to ministry in our own worlds. And the Bible is clear we need others support and prayer for we cannot do it alone.

So I ask you, who do you share ministry goals with? Are you in a bible study where you have people praying for you and prayer not just for you personally, but for your impact in your world? Who has your back spiritually and who encourages you when you lose focus?

Discussion Questions

1. Who do you share your ministry with?

2. Can you name three people that pray for you specifically and regularly? If not, can you find three people to do that?

3. Who are three people you pray for?