Never Give Up

     I was reading a devotional recently that talked about how Saul Paul of Tarsus was such a hardened man. He persecuted the early Christians with an intense zeal. Acts 8:3 says Saul "made havoc of the church" And the end of Acts 7 and Acts 8:1 shows Saul attended and approved of the killing of the deacon Stephen. Then in Acts 9:1,2 Saul is leading this "great persecution" mentioned previously in Acts 8:1,2. Saul was a hardened man. In his only defense he was confused about the truth of Christ and honestly thought he was doing a good work for the Lord. But he was hardened none the less. He was the last Pharisee or Jew of any rank that we would expect to see yielding to Christ only to become perhaps the most influential missionary in the history of the Christian Church. In Acts 9:3-22 we see that Saul met the resurrected Christ. And when he did he broke. We see his conversion and the beginning of his powerful ministry. From his earliest days of preaching Christ the Messiah he was preaching with such power and authority that even the most devout Jewish leaders were not able to argue his doctrine. Saul became known as Paul. And he became as zealous for Christ as he once was zealous against Christ. That is what God can do. I am reminded of a song that is beautiful and inspiring to me. "Even the Hardest Heart" by White Heart. It was on an album released in the late mid 90's. In the lyrics it says "Let's all stand together and pray for a shower of love for even the hardest heart…we're praying, believing, that even the hardest heart, even the hardest heart, will break like the dawn and be changed by the song of love. Even the hardest heart." That to me is beautiful. If you know someone who doesn't know Christ don't give up. Continue praying for them. James 5:16 says "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." The effectual fervent prayer is a highly active prayer. It is an efficient prayer. It is to be mighty in prayer. Pray fervently. Pray diligently. "Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17. No one is ever so hard that God can't reach them. It is a sad truth that not everyone will yield to Christ. But if they won't bend God can break them. And when they break if they will finally call upon the Lord and yield to Christ then it is a beautiful brokenness indeed. So if you love Christ, and you love them, don't give up. Continue to pray for them. Continue to let the light of Christ shine brightly in your life. And continue to be ready to offer them the Gospel of reconciliation in love, patience, and understanding. Whatever you do, don't give up.
     May you be blessed, inspired, and encouraged.
     Peace and blessings,
     Shannon