Living in faith is a day-to-day journey that goes on for months and years, and we constantly face the temptation to get comfortable instead of faithful. Paul presents an alternate way of living that is only possible because of the gift of God in Christ. The benefits we receive are so clear that we cannot help but ask ourselves if our lives reflect that reality as they should.

1-3 This is why I, Paul, am in jail for Christ, having taken up the cause of you outsiders, so-called. I take it that you’re familiar with the part I was given in God’s plan for including everybody. I got the inside story on this from God himself, as I just wrote you in brief. 4-6 As you read over what I have written to you, you’ll be able to see for yourselves into the mystery of Christ. None of our ancestors understood this. Only in our time has it been made clear by God’s Spirit through his holy apostles and prophets of this new order. The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I’ve been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board. (Ephesians 3:1-6, MSG)

I focused on Paul’s revelation, blessing. and mission. All was a gift of God’s grace. Even in hard times, Paul was never alone, for God was with him and in him.

Paul	God’s Grace
Imprisoned for the sake of Christ(1), Paul experienced hardships because he refused to compromise his mission	God’s grace is for everyone who believes (1)
Brought the Good News to Gentiles, to their benefit (1) fulfilling the mission God gave him (3)	Once a mystery (only for His Chosen People), God’s grace is now shown, taught, and extended to all (2-3).
God revealed the mystery to Paul and the apostles and the prophets who wrote His word (5)	God sent His Spirit to reveal and help us spread the Good News: that we are all part of God’s family and belong to JC (6)

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Paul had been given a very clear mission by God on the road to Damascus: “Stop persecuting my people, and instead, tell the Good News about My love and grace to all people.” God had prepared Paul for this: born a Roman citizen, raised in a mixed community both ethnically and religiously, learned in the Old Testament, and with a fanatic personality.

What has God designed and prepared me for? Where, how, and to whom am I to spread His message?

Pray with me. Lord, as I live each day, help me to live it for You and Your glory. Help me to chose daily to follow your paths, even if it means that I will have trouble in this world. You are my King, and I place myself in your hands. Lead me, guide me, and use me. Amen.

Listen to Acappella sing, “Tell me Something That I Don’t Know.”