Scripture References: Philippians 3:5-6
In Philippians 3:13–14, Paul gives his formula for success: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Notice that Paul knew he was on a journey, he hadn’t yet attained his destination, and Paul was not allowing his past accomplishments or failures to rob him of the potential of his future. But the key to his success and thus his greatness is found in verse 14. He is driven by God’s upward call, he was passionate! A passion he received in the darkness on his way to and while in Damascus.
After his conversion, Persecutor Saul became the Apostle Paul, a prolific writer, penning nearly half of the books of the New Testament. Paul was a church planter, representing the church on three missionary journeys to plant churches and nurture believers. He was a leader that molded the future of the church and trained others to lead. He was passionate.
They stoned him and he kept preaching. Because of his determination? No! Because of his passion! They threw him in prison, but he kept on praising. Because of his superior discipline? No! Because of his passion! They chained him to a guard and put him under house arrest but he kept on writing. Because of his will power? No! Because of his passion!
Other great leaders found their passion through trials.
Joseph’s journey to greatness wasn’t through a life of privilege as the favorite son of his father, but in a pit at the hands of his jealous brothers and a jail cell at the hands of Potipher’s deceptive wife. Again, not in the light, but in the dark. He emerged with a passion to know and do the will of God!
Daniel’s moment of truth did not take place under a spotlight, but before an open window in Babylon where he prayed, not concerned who could see. Not in the light, but in the dark. He emerged with passion! Whether in the King’s court or in the lion’s den, he had a passion for righteousness.
David’s defining moment did not come among his father’s sheep at home, but in a battlefield against a Philistine champion. Not in the light, but again, in the dark. He emerged with a passion to know and follow God’s heart!
Saul’s turning point did not come at the feet of Gamaliel, where he studied, or in the synagogue where he worshiped, but after an encounter with a Holy God who confronted him with his unrighteousness. Not in the light, but in the blindness of the dark. Thus Paul emerged with a passion to build the church that as Saul he once tried to destroy!
To Be Continued
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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