It is Our Faith in Christ that Sustains Us

Paul’s Mission Field

Paul’s mission in Romans 1 was to encourage the church to seek Christ and live the Christian life. His letter shows his love for the people, even though he had not met them yet. His desire was to share the gospel and show the Romans what a new life through faith would look like. He wanted them to see that it is our faith in Christ that sustains us.

In Romans 1:8, Paul thanks his God through Jesus Christ for all of you–meaning that Christ is the only mediator between God and humans. He goes on to say that their faith is being reported all over the world. That is because their faith was strong. Can we say the same? When people talk to us or visit our churches do they see Christ in us, at the center of our worship, and in our actions?  Do others see our faith lived out when we experience devastating or difficult situations? We can pray that we seek Him at every turn so others see Christ in us and through our actions.

Pray Consistently

Prayer kept Paul going. It was a part of who he was. Even though he didn’t know them he prayed for these people consistently and for the opportunity to see them soon. Just as Christ answers our prayers, sometimes in a different way than we expected, Paul never dreamed he would visit Rome as a prisoner. But he did. He continually prayed for safe arrival in Rome; and he did, after getting arrested, slapped in the face, shipwrecked, and surviving a snake bite. Sounds like a pretty challenging ordeal doesn’t it?  None of what he went through was easy but he had faith.

We may feel the same way from time to time. When mishaps and circumstances affect our lives in unexpected ways, it is our faith in Christ that sustains us.

Sharing Our Faith

Paul’s visit to Rome was a priority and it came to fruition. While he was there he shared his faith, fellowshipped, created new friendships and helped bring comfort to those experiencing hardship. In return, he received the same blessings. His main mission was to share the gospel. He could share first hand his life experiences prior to accepting Christ and then about his journey with Christ on the road to Damascus which changed his life forever.

From that point on Paul was consumed with spreading the gospel and he felt obligated to take the Word to the entire world. Spreading the message of the gospel of Christ proved to have life-changing power and it was for every single person.

Be Bold and Share the Good News

Do we share Paul’s boldness to spread the good news? Or, do we stay silent because we don’t want to rock the boat or offend anyone? We live in a world right now where people are offended over anything and everything. Will the fear of stepping forward and sharing God’s Word stop us from doing what Paul did? Will we miss the opportunity to share the most important news in the history of mankind?

We should never be ashamed of sharing the gospel, for it is the power of God for everyone who believes. Paul tells us in verse 17, “the righteous will live by faith.” It is our faith in Christ that sustains us.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the opportunity to share Your Word near and far. I pray for courage and confidence as you work through me to spread the good news. In times of doubt I will lean on you. When fear strikes my heart, I will listen for Your whisper that says, “Go, walk in the Word, and share the name of Jesus to all who will listen.” May I be more like Paul when it comes to encouraging those who need a new life in You and through You. Thank you Jesus for who You are. Amen.