Philippians 1:12-20. Paul is a bible character I struggle with at times. He can be arrogant, short tempered and even male chauvinist at times. This passage is one of the reasons I continue to appreciate him though. Philippians 1:20 “For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.” God knew Paul would need to have each of the qualities I get frustrated with in him to allow him to be the man God wanted him to be. Through Paul’s many perseverances he still proclaimed the gospel message and as a result many where saved. Because of his writings even this many generations removed from his we are reading biblical truth and being saved.
In my own life with G there were days I was so frustrated with her I wanted to throw in the towel. She was head strong, frustrating, and always had to have the last word. I look at her today ministering in the 10/40 window where the most unreached people groups exist and know that God had made her that way too. He knew she would need those qualities and traits. He also knew that she too would look at life and death much like Paul. Living is good, but if more can be reached by death I count that an honor. I weep as I even write this, but I know that all of those days of frustration with her have been worth it because she and Z are having opportunity to share The Message with people who have never heard His name as the Son of God. Humbled, happy, sad, and contented I find myself grateful for the gift of being a mom to a “Paul like” child. To the Ends of the Earth….