“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Tim. 1:12).
I must admit, if only one verse could be chosen, this would be my favorite in the Bible. In the opening chapter of 1 Timothy, the Apostle Paul takes a sudden and deeply personal detour. After giving instructions on how to handle false teachers, he pauses to marvel at his own life.
I can relate, because this single verse serves as a powerful bridge between our dark past and our purposeful present. It reveals three profound truths about how God interacts with those He calls.
Paul begins by thanking Christ for “giving him strength.” This is a vital distinction. Paul did not enter the ministry because he was naturally strong or capable enough to handle the pressure. Rather, it was strength enabled by Christ Himself. For anyone feeling “unworthy” or “incapable” of the work God has set before them, Paul’s words offer a release from the pressure of self-sufficiency. I, for one, finally ran out of excuses.
Perhaps the most shocking part of this verse is Paul’s claim that God counted him faithful. Only verses later, Paul describes himself as a “blasphemer,” a “persecutor,” and an “insolent man” (1 Tim. 1:13). By human standards, Paul — and men like myself — would seem the least trustworthy persons to lead in the church. However, as many commentaries on 1 Tim. 1:12 note, God’s “trust” is not based on a person’s track record, but on what His grace can accomplish through them. God saw what Paul would become through the power of the gospel, not merely who he had been — and He sees the same potential in us.
The word often translated as “ministry” in this verse (diakonia) refers to humble, lowly service — the kind of work a servant performs for his master. Paul did not view his calling as a platform for fame or recognition, but as an opportunity to serve.
Paul’s testimony in 1 Timothy 1:12 is meant to be a “pattern” or “example” for everyone else. If God could take a violent opponent of the faith and turn him into one of its greatest champions, then no one is beyond the reach of His mercy. Very few times does your past truly disqualify you. In God’s hands, it often becomes the backdrop that makes His grace shine even brighter.
Like Paul, we can move from a life of “ignorance and unbelief” to a life defined by the work He has given us to do. Sadly, many believers continue to struggle under the weight of past mistakes that make them feel disqualified. Just remember — He knew exactly who you were when He called you.
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “After a snowy Sunday and our last Zoom meeting, it was a great blessing to meet again in Chenal. Although some were unable to attend because the roads were still covered with snow, we enjoyed a special time together. As we do every first Sunday at Ebenezer, we celebrated the Lord’s Supper and concluded our series of messages on goals and purposes. As January ends, God’s Word reminds us of the importance of making good use of our time.
“After the service, we met with the leaders and hosts of the Bible Discovery Groups (BDGs). As part of the vision of the Gospel Movement, we held our monthly Local House of Prayer meeting, where we reinforced the vision, prayed for the lost through the Oikos Map, and provided training. Thank God, we continue to see great progress each month.
“As for my health, I am feeling better. Although the cough persists in cold environments, I hope to be 100 percent recovered during the month of February, when we will begin to talk about Global Missions. Thank you for your prayers and constant support. To God be the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had another great week at Faith Chapel! After having to cancel last Sunday and Wednesday services due to snow and ice, we finally got the road and parking lot clear enough to meet — and praise God that we did. Two more of our young people came forward and made professions of faith in Jesus.
“They had both been struggling lately and having conversations with their mom. I sat in their Sunday School class and shared my testimony, and I could tell they were ready. They wanted to talk with me between Sunday School and worship, and I am confident they understood what they were doing and that their professions were genuine and from the heart. We started the worship service a little late, but it was well worth it. Praise God, they came forward at the invitation, trusted in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and we all rejoiced — along with the angels in Heaven.
“I’ve said this before, but this is truly a testament to our youth program, our teachers, and especially their parents. God has truly blessed us here. Thank you again for your support — it has enabled us to get where we are. Thank you for letting God use you to bless this mission, and especially for your prayers. Please continue — He is answering in mighty ways!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “Despite the winter weather throwing us a few curves this week, Faith Journey made the best of a challenging situation and found opportunities for connection and ministry.
“With several local businesses closed, some of our men had extra time, and we were blessed with the opportunity to fellowship during an end-of-the-season duck hunt. It became a wonderful time of bonding, building relationships, and encouraging one another outside the church walls.
“When the roads began to clear, we were able to continue our nursing home ministries on Thursday. Many residents had limited access to friends and family due to the weather, so they were especially excited for fellowship. It was a sweet time of worship and connection.
“Sunday brought its own challenges, as our parking lot remained covered with several inches of snow and sleet. Even so, we were able to hold both services. This gave us additional opportunities to serve one another — helping everyone safely inside — and the Lord was faithful to keep everyone safe. We enjoyed a great time of Bible study and fellowship together.
“We are looking forward to warmer weather, safer roads, and returning to regular attendance as conditions continue to improve.”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ. This week, as well as last week, a strong cold wave with some snow affected our work. We had to suspend our connection groups, but God allowed us to continue our pastoral ministry through visitation and by helping sisters in need.
“One example is Sister Angeles. Her car was damaged, and she lost her wallet, which contained all her documents. I went with her to recover the wallet, and we also contacted a mechanic to assist her.
“On Sunday after the service, we received a message from someone who has attended church occasionally, asking if we could pray for a young man named Francisco (Francis), who has been diagnosed with leukemia and is in Mercy Hospital in the progressive care unit. Patty and I prayed, and we asked the church to pray as well.
“When we visited, by the grace of God, there was a good atmosphere. Another young couple was also visiting Francis and his wife, so we shared the gospel with them. My wife shared her testimony, and for the glory of God, Francis received Christ. The other three people in the room listened attentively. Glory to God, who by His grace allows us to bring others to the feet of the Savior.
“I ask you to pray for Francis. On Monday, doctors will perform a biopsy to determine his condition.”
Epic Life, Pea Ridge: Jake McCandless writes, “Even with the winter weather, we were able to hold our Connection Groups this week. Both our Woodbridge and Garfield groups met.
“We also decided to postpone our Discover and Connect Night one more week after realizing we had scheduled it on Super Bowl Sunday — a major strikeout for an outreach night. It has been rescheduled for Feb. 15, and we are praying for no snow or ice.”
