Living Life Unstoppable: Pauls Story

A message about how focusing and centering our attention on God can make us unstoppable. Once you master the ability to detach your emotions from the task at hand, nothing will hinder your progress.

From Series: Life lesson learned from the Bible — Romans 16:26, Acts 28, Philippians 1:12-14, 18-21

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You cannot be stopped because God cannot be stopped

There is nothing too difficult for God to do. What makes things hard is us. When we realize to be effective in life we need to trust God and allow Him to lead us, then we will be successful in everything that we do (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Luke 18:27).

In the Bible, Paul's mission and story is proof that what God wills, cannot be stopped; and although you will have challenges, you will still be successful.

Although Satan attempted to hinder the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles by using the Jews, he ultimately failed. Likewise, if you are following God's will, you will be unstoppable, and all efforts to thwart you will be useless.  This assurance of success is your legacy, your right, and vindication from God (Isaiah 54:17).

The enemy attempted every possible method to stop Paul from accomplishing his mission, but was unsuccessful.

Paul said in Romans 15:20 NIV,

"It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation."

This was the desire God put in Paul’s heart, and what God put within Paul was accomplished (Acts 9:1-22).

Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7 KJV,

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

Paul finished his assignment because when God begins something in you, He will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Paul's experience shows us that even when hindered or restricted, we can still be effective. Despite being constrained from acting freely, we can still overcome obstacles.

An example of the prison cell Paul was in. Photo credit: wantedinrome.com

Despite being a prisoner in chains, Paul managed to lead a revival without the aid of a microphone, having status, marketing strategy, promotion campaign, social media, or freedom. He did not have fame in the church and there were many attempts to take his life (Acts 23, 26).

Paul, despite having many reasons to feel despondent and abandon his assignment, chose to continue healing the sick even while in chains, leading to a revival. He preached and healed many people all while being in bondage himself.

He set people free from oppression because he did not make it about himself, he made it about Christ. Similar to Christ, we need to be selfless and allow our self to be free from our own desires to become an instrument of the Holy Spirit.

Paul had the right perspective. He could have complained, but Paul did not allow the feeling of complaining to stop him from being productive.

Instead of dwelling on his imprisonment or its duration, Paul chose to view it as an opportunity for furthering the gospel. He recognized the chance to spread the message throughout the entire palace.

All things work together for the good

Paul, being a high-ranking prisoner, had specific soldiers assigned to guard him in Rome. This arrangement allowed the soldiers to be exposed to Paul's teachings. While in captivity, Paul had the opportunity to engage with these men, resulting in many of them finding salvation and becoming followers of Jesus.

Paul's message made it from a Roman prison to Caesars household (Philippians 1:12-14, 18-21).

This is why Paul was able to say,

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" —Romans 8:28 NASB.

Will God be able to rely on you to fulfill His destiny even when circumstances don't align with your expectations? Can God count on you to continue serving, ministering, and obeying Him, even in times of pain or when things unfold differently than you anticipated?

Some of us have allowed 'prison' situations in our lives to stop us from reaching our goals. They have impeded our purpose and have allowed us to become ineffective.

But Paul was focused on God. What the Holy Spirit wanted meant more to Paul than his own life, and this was the catalysts for him to walk in power and authority, while in a position that was designed to make him incapable and powerless.

Can God trust you to do what needs to be done despite the condition you are in or are you someone who needs things to be the way you desire it to be before you do what needs to be done? Do you fold when pressure comes, or can you show persistence in your storms?

How much worse can it have gotten for Paul than to have his hands and feet in shackles but still had the power and authority to lead many to the knowledge of who God is, to salvation, and was able to cure all the sick people on the island of Malta (Act 28: 8-9).

Paul's experience in prison was characterized by foul odors, suffering, and unhappiness. Roman jails were infamous for their practice of stripping inmates, beating them, subjecting them to shame, and causing them to endure painful trials. Without a compassionate individual to tend to your injuries, your open wounds remained unattended.

Prisoners were confined in cells and dungeons, with chains on their wrists and ankles. There were no comfortable beds or blankets awaiting them, and the environment was not temperature-controlled. The harsh conditions of the prison led many to desire a quick death, prompting some to take their own lives.

Prisoners did not have human rights. This is enough to weaken anyone emotionally and drag them into depression.

Even when you are not being praised, feeling unmotivated, lacking resources, or feeling trapped, can you still be a source of healing and hope for others?

Paul was able to demonstrate power and authority through his prison experience because he understood something. He understood Ephesians 1:17-23 which says:

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Paul shared a deep and unshakable bond with the Holy Spirit. He not only understood his mission but also recognized the immense impact it would have—not just on his life, but on the lives of others.

Paul knew the source of his strength and power was God.

When we spend time with someone, their qualities naturally begin to influence us. God, in His might and power, is unstoppable, and when we immerse ourselves in His presence, we become unstoppable too. Paul's close relationship with God was the reason for his significant influence. Through his diligent study of God's Word and constant prayer, Paul aligned his desires with God's, making God's will his own.

By grounding your life on more of God's Word, you will increase your ability to overcome any obstacles. This allowed Paul to do his best for God with excitement and passion to complete his work. Paul was given wisdom, revelation, and understanding. He knew the purpose of Jesus Christ and the birthright we have.

Paul knew we can master sin, illness of all kinds, threats, and death; and that we have dominion over all the trouble we are confronted with. This knowing was needed for Paul to help himself and other people. He had a mindset that understands with Christ we are in control of situations, not the other way around. 

Being in control of a situation doesn’t necessary mean we will get out of the situation. It means we won’t allow it to get the best of us. Simply put, it won’t overcome us.

Paul spent so much time with God, that he realized how great God's power is, and we too are given it for what we are asked to do.

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

— 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV

Paul understood that those of us who have a relationship with God are seated alongside Christ in the heavenly realms. We hold a position of authority and strength, being recognized as children of God, which entitles us to share in the inheritance with Jesus Christ.

Paul was completely devoted (Philippians 1:21) to God, with his entire being surrendered to him, and because of this unwavering commitment, nothing could hinder him. Like the heavenly angels (Psalm 103:20), Paul positioned himself to be available for God's use in any situation and under any circumstances. This mindset enabled him to view his imprisonment as insignificant.

Despite facing earthly bondage, criticism, murder plots, and attempts to hinder him, Paul remained unaffected as he knew he had dominion over them all. He understood Luke 10:19 KJV, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."

Paul successfully completed his assignment because God trusted him, and Paul did not focus on himself or his problems. He said, “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” — Acts 20:24 ESV.

All that mattered to Paul was purpose, and his passion for purpose not only gave him a life that was effective, influential, and unstoppable, it gave him a life of joy and fulfillment.

Paul and Jesus share a common trait of being focused. Paul imitated Jesus by praying regularly and remaining undeterred by obstacles such as people's opinions, circumstances, or financial challenges in pursuing their goals and fulfilling their destinies (1 Corinthians 11:1). Whether or not they received support was inconsequential to them. They were not deterred by opposition, which placed them in an unstoppable position.

"What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us."

— Romans 8:31 (NIV)

Paul was determined that no matter what happened, he was going to continue. He said, “Preach the Word of God. Preach it when it is easy and people want to listen, and when it is hard and people do not want to listen. Preach it all the time." in 2 Timothy 4:2 NIV.

Jesus too was not concern about reputation. Your belief or opinion about Him did not interfere. You could not use that as a method to hinder Him. Instead, Jesus lowered His status, humbled Himself, and became obedient to the will of the Father.

Philippians 2:7-9 KJV says, "But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the fashion of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death—even the death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name." 

What is stopping you today?

What word was said to you that caused you to be distraction? What was said or done to cause you to quit? What emotion is overwhelming you or is controlling you, what fears have crippled you, and what excuses are you using to not do what you are supposed to be doing?

Whose attention are you more focused on more than being contend with God’s attention? What have become your God instead of God? What has gotten in the way of you spending time with the very One who has given the gifts and grace you are functioning in? What is stopping you from being unstoppable?

Find it and get rid of it, because nothing is worth you not fulfilling your purpose, and witnessing God being glorified in our lives and in the lives of others.

God designed you with the big picture in mind so that you can reach your achievements and fulfill your purpose even through challenging times, because He built you to run the race of faith. An excerpt from It’s Ok to Be Single.

Model what Paul and Jesus did so you too can say, “I have fought a good fight. I have finished the work I was to do. I have kept the faith. There is a crown which comes from being right with God. The Lord, the One Who will judge, will give it to me on that great day when He comes again. I will not be the only one to receive a crown. All those who love to think of His coming and are looking for Him will receive one also — 2 Timothy 4:6-8. 

If this inspired you in any way, please remember to share it on social media below. Sharing is a free way to share the Gospel. And share it with anyone you feel needs encouragement.

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When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, His spirit will become one with yours. This is one of the greatest blessings of salvation. You don't have to go through someone else to get to God, as you and Him are now one.

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