by Pastor Rich Carlson

So on goes Paul to Corinth, 30 or so miles west of Athens, where he eventually spends a year and a half, and from where he writes two letters to the Thessalonians (in the next column, we’ll begin having a look at those letters).

I am so impressed with the tenacity of Paul’s commitment to preach—and live—Jesus. It was that commitment to God’s cause that gave him such a clear sense of direction. It was that single-mindedness that helped him deal with hardship and challenge, and kept him moving forward.

It was in Corinth that Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla as a tent maker, earning his  living while remaining focused on his mission to preach the gospel. When I’m tempted to say I don’t have time to work for God, I look at Paul, full-time tentmaker and preacher!

In Corinth, Luke tells us in his Acts account, Paul went every Sabbath to the synagogue to share the gospel with the Jews and sympathetic Gentiles. When I’m tempted not to see value in church attendance, I look at Paul, reasoning through God’s word and searching for truth and insight each Sabbath.

It was in Corinth that Paul became discouraged for a time over the success of his efforts. But after getting kicked out of the synagogue, he just went next door and converted the synagogue custodian! When I am tempted to give up, I look at Paul. I believe God will continue to sustain you and me just as he sustained Paul.

The key is singleness of purpose—tenacity to live and breathe Jesus. I believe God will honor our dedication to Him just as surely as He honored Paul’s dedication. God is just as committed to you and me as He ever was to Paul and his associates. It’s up to us to be that committed to Him.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. “God Is Faithful” is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.