Real Hope: Finding Hope Through the Life of PaulSample

Having Nothing, Yet Possessing Everything

I read this passage as a relatively new believer then found myself weeping; I cried out, ‘I want to know You, Jesus, like Apostle Paul did.’ His writings showed that this man could go through so much, and still say ‘having nothing yet possessing everything.’ His relationship with Jesus Christ and living for Him and His purpose consumed Paul’s heart more than life’s trials or what the world thought of him.

Paul describes both – what the world thought of him, and what God thought of him. Suffering and persecution are all part of our existence in a sin-tainted world, and they affect Christians and non-believers in the same way (Matthew 5:45). Yet often we can attribute our shortcomings to our environment, thinking that if we had a different neighbour, boss or family, we would be better Christians. We rationalise that a life of faith can only develop in ‘excellent soil’. The truth is that God can make grace abound in any situation. He can bless us wherever we are so we can thrive even in circumstances that don’t seem to be in our favour. Now is the day of Salvation!

Written by HEIDI WYSMAN