By: Waylon Bailey ~

How does a person like Paul live?

Think of all that the Apostle Paul did. He wrote thirteen books of the New Testament, made three missionary journeys, suffered horrific persecution, and finally faced execution.

Paul wrote about his trials in this way: “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea” (2 Corinthians 11:24-25).

In spite of all this, Paul also wrote that God works everything for good for those who love God. He said that the slight momentary affliction of this world is nothing compared to the glory that awaits us with the Heavenly Father.

How did Paul live through these perils and have such a Godly attitude?

This seemed to be the secret of his life: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

What made Paul such a great man?

He died to self and submitted his life to Christ. Paul allowed Christ to live through him. He lived by faith in the Son of God.

What can we learn from Paul?

First, we must let God have all of our lives. This is what it means to be crucified with Christ. We must submit our lives to God and let Him transform us.

Second, we must let Christ live in us. When that occurs we can be sure of our decisions and confident in where God is taking us.

Third, we must live by faith in the Son of God.

Do these things and you’ll look at life differently than ever before, and you’ll live a life pleasing to God.

Let Christ live through you, and you will have a great week!