Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a rut? Like you are not making a difference? No matter how hard you try, do you feel like this little light of yours is hidden under a bushel (whatever that is)?

Well, according to the Bible, Paul had every reason to feel that way too.

Whatever Paul did, whether he was killing Christians, or whether he was leading people to Christ, he did it with great determination. He made a difference! First, he made a difference for bad, then he made a difference for good.

You see, one day he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, and after that, he was never the same. He made a 180 degree turn and stopped chasing Christians to kill them and started chasing sinners to lead them to Christ. He was good at it too!

Paul was driven. However, there were unbelievable hindrances in his life that prevented him from doing all that he could do. He was put in prison over and over. He was flogged an uncounted number of times. He faced death over and over. He received 39 lashes from the Jews 5 times. He was beaten with rods 3 times. He was dragged outside the city and stoned one time and left for dead. The Bible says he got up and went right back into the city. Oh, to have that kind of determination to serve Christ!

He was shipwrecked 3 times. Now I ask you, “Who gets shipwrecked three times?” (Stay away from boats, Paul!) He was in continual danger from rivers and robbers. He was in danger from his own countrymen, as well as the Gentiles. He was in danger in the city, in the country, at sea, and from false brothers. He was weary and in pain often, without sleep. He was often hungry and thirsty, cold and naked.

The Bible says that he was given a thorn in his flesh to keep him humble, although he asked for God to remove it three times. God did not remove it, but He told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

His list of trials makes my trials not seem so bad after all. Paul was faithful. He had every reason to give up, but he kept trying. He learned the secret. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)

The Bible does not tell us what Paul’s thorn was. I think that is so we can plug our own thorn into that blank and relate it to us. Whatever your thorn is, God can and will give you strength and grace to not only survive it, but to thrive in spite of it. Don’t let the burdens of your life get you down. There is nothing that can separate you from the love of God. (Romans 8:35-39) He can use you just where you are, no matter your circumstance. Like with Paul, prison walls, bars and chains are not barriers for God. He can use you to His full benefit wherever you are and in whatever circumstance you find yourself in, if you will just let Him.

It is kind of like putting uranium in a basement. It seeps through the walls, out into the world around it. His love radiates like an interruptible power supply that flows on and on through His children affecting everyone around. Just think, I am sure God used Paul’s prison experiences to even spread the gospel into Rome through Paul’s experiences with the prison guards.

Is He using you right now in ways you cannot even imagine, right where you are? We may be limited but God is not. Don’t be discouraged. Keep shining your light, and keep fighting the fight. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

Dear Lord: Thank You that the fruits of our efforts depend on you and not on us. Help us to keep our focus on You no matter our circumstances, knowing that You always have a plan. You will carry us through, and You work through us in the lives of other people even, and sometimes especially, in the midst of our trials. You are God. Your grace is sufficient, and You give us the strength that we need. It is Your work through us that makes the difference. Amen

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Are you discouraged because you want to do more for God but circumstances prevent it at the moment? God looks at the heart, and He understands when you are doing the best that you can. Surrender your efforts to Him and He will multiply them. Please share your thoughts, comments and experiences.

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No matter your circumstances, may God’s love always radiate through you into the lives of others, like uranium in a basement.