Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God. (Colossians 1:24-25)
In Colossians 1:24-25, Paul reiterated what he said in the previous verse: he was made a minister. He added it was according to the dispensation of God. The word dispensation means stewardship. In other words, Paul acknowledged that God made him a minister, but he was responsible for carrying out the assignment.
In Ephesians 3:1 (and other places), Paul called himself a prisoner for the Lord. Paul considered himself a prisoner for the Lord because he had completely submitted his will to God’s. Paul understood what it meant to say, “Jesus is Lord.” The word Lord is Kurios in Greek. It means Master, Controller and Supreme Authority. Since Jesus was truly Lord to him,Paul followed God’s calling for his life, not his personal passion.
Many, if not most, life coaches tell people to find their passion and pursue it, but that is not the Bible’s way, nor the best way, to direct your life. Paul’s passion was for Israel, but God called him to minister to Gentiles.
Our modern minds have a hard time grasping how difficult it would have been for a Pharisee like Paul to minister to Gentiles. Can you imagine what they thought when this man, dressed in the religious garb of the Pharisees, approached them? The Jews looked down on Gentiles, calling them dogs, and the Gentiles knew it. The only way Paul reached the Gentiles was through the grace of God. Grace is anointing, power, and help when you need it!
Practical Application
When God calls you to do something difficult, don’t run away! Obey Him and lean into His grace. God’s grace is the help you need to fulfill His will.