Although it’s just one part of the fruit, peace reveals the depth of what the Spirit is doing within us.
As I continue reflecting on the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23, I’ve come to see that peace is not just a feeling; it’s evidence of a life being shaped by God. Let me be clear….peace is not separate from the rest. It’s not something we pick and choose. It is one expression of the same fruit, produced by the Holy Spirit, in the same transformed life.
Here is what makes peace so powerful: It shows up most clearly when it doesn’t make sense. Anyone can feel calm when everything is going well, but the peace the Spirit produces goes deeper than circumstances. It remains steady in uncertainty, anchored in trust, not in outcomes. Jesus speaks to this kind of peace in John 14:27:
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth…”
This tells me that there is a difference between worldly peace and Spirit-given peace. One depends on what’s happening around us. The other flows from who is within us. So when the Spirit is at work, peace begins to show up in how we respond. In moments where we would normally panic, we pause. In situations where fear would take over, we trust. In seasons of waiting, we remain steady. This is not because we have everything figured out, but because we are learning to rest in God.
And this is where it all connects. Peace doesn’t grow by striving for calm. It grows by staying connected to Christ. The more we walk with Him, the more this quiet confidence begins to shape our thoughts, our reactions, and our perspective.
So today, as we focus on peace, let it be a reminder that this is not something you have to force; it’s something that flows. And if peace feels distant right now, it’s not a sign to try harder; it’s an invitation to draw closer.
Because when the Spirit is at work within you, even in the middle of life’s noise, peace will begin to rise.
I’ve read Galatians 5:22–23 many times before. Honestly, it’s one of those familiar passages; the kind you can almost quote without thinking. Yesterday however, something simple yet powerful caught my attention…something I had completely overlooked.
The verse doesn’t say “fruits” of the Spirit. It says “fruit.”
When received the two WhatsApp messages reminding me that the word fruit was not pluralised in the verse, I realized that all this time, I had unconsciously added an “s” in my mind. I saw the list: love, joy, peace, patience, and the rest, and assumed they were separate things, or different traits to work on individually. Before yesterday afternoon, if someone had asked me to provide a title for this verse, I may have described it as a Checklist for Christian Living...Hmm…
REALITY CHECK: That’s not what the text says….at all!!
So, I decided to dive in and try to determine why the word fruit in the text wasnt pluralised.
The more I sat with that, the more meaningful it became. At first glance, it’s easy to read the passage as a list – love, joy, peace, patience, and the rest – almost like separate qualities we’re supposed to work on one by one. Looking deeper however, I realized Paul wasn’t giving us a checklist. He was describing one unified result of the Spirit’s work in a believer’s life. So really it’s not nine different fruits growing separately. It’s one fruit with many expressions.
That shifted my perspective. Because if it’s one fruit, then it means I’m not meant to pick and choose. I can’t say, “I’m good at love but struggling with self-control, and that’s just how I am.” The Spirit’s work is complete, not selective. When He is truly at work, He shapes a life that reflects Christ in a full and balanced way.
Now before I continue. Let me be very clear: Each of these qualities is vital to Christian life, but the point is that they are all part of one unified fruit, produced by the Spirit, not separate traits we try to grow on our own. Now that I have cleared this up, let’s continue..
This new revelation also challenged me in another way. If the Bible had said “fruits,” it might suggest these qualities develop independently or depend mostly on effort. But “fruit” reminds me that this isn’t about striving harder to produce traits; it’s about staying connected to the source.
What I’ve come to understand is this: The fruit of the Spirit isn’t something I manufacture; it’s something that grows naturally when I’m walking with God. So instead of asking, “How can I be more patient?” or “How can I force myself to have more joy?” the better question becomes,
“Am I truly abiding in the Spirit?” If you are, then the various expressions of fruit of spirit will be visible in your life.
Honestly, that takes the pressure off. It reminds me that transformation isn’t about me trying to fix every area of my life individually – it’s about allowing the Spirit to do a deeper, unified work within me that, over time, begins to show itself in every area of my life.
The little “s” I added in my mind may seem small, but it opened my eyes to a bigger truth: every word, every letter of Scripture matters. God’s Word is alive and full of depth, and even passages we’ve read a hundred times can still teach us something new.
If this message resonates with you – whether it’s something you missed like I did, or a reminder of a truth you’ve always known, let it encourage you to keep digging into the Scriptures daily and carefully. There is always more to discover, more to understand, and more ways to allow the Holy Spirit to transform your life.
May this inspire you to read with fresh eyes, listen with an open heart, and never underestimate the power of one word, one verse, or even one letter to speak to your soul.
When most people hear the word “joy,” they think of smiling faces, happy feelings, or exciting moments. The mentions of joy in the scriptures however do not refer to fleeting emotions tied to good circumstances.
It’s a deep-seated contentment and hope that persists even when life is hard. That’s why Paul lists joy right after love in Galatians 5:22. It’s rooted in the believer’s personal relationship with God, not in the ups and downs of life.
Think about your own life for a moment. How often do we let circumstances dictate our happiness? A bad day at work, a tense conversation, or a personal disappointment can quickly erase our smiles. But joy doesn’t work that way. It’s not dependent on outcomes. It’s the kind of inner strength that says, “This situation doesn’t have the final word.”
Scripture paints this picture beautifully. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2).
That doesn’t mean we pretend to be happy or ignore our struggles. It means we trust God’s presence and purpose, even when life is messy. Joy comes from knowing that He is faithful and that our story isn’t over.
In everyday life, joy often shows up in quiet ways: prayer, reading the scriptures, laughing with a friend even on a rough day, pausing to thank God for the little things like a hot cup of coffee or tea, or a text from a loved one. These small moments are reminders that joy is available, regardless of circumstances.
Joy also thrives when we shift focus outward. When we serve, or encourage others, it reminds us that life isn’t all about our struggles. Giving time, attention, or a kind word to someone else can lift our spirits and theirs.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). Joy is both personal and communal; it grows when shared.
Another key aspect of joy is perspective. Life will always have challenges – stress, setbacks, and disappointments. Joy doesn’t erase these things. Instead, it frames them differently. It whispers, “God is bigger than this moment. He is working, even when I don’t see it.” That perspective creates resilience. It allows us to face tough seasons with a sense of hope and stability.
Practical ways to cultivate joy? Start by noticing God’s blessings daily. Write them down. Celebrate victories, no matter how small. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not drag you down. Serve others and most importantly, reflect on God’s faithfulness.
Joy is more than a feeling; it’s a fruit of a Spirit-filled life. It doesn’t mean life is perfect or easy, but it does mean that peace, hope, and contentment are possible, even in the hardest seasons.
As I end today’s message, I have a question for you:
Have you ever wondered why scripture refers to love, joy, peace etc….. as Fruit of the Spirit and not Fruits of the Spirit? Well, I have! There has to be a reason right?
Well, in the first ever Saturday afternoon post on Steps of Purpose, I will seek to explain why Fruit and not Fruits of the Spirit!
By the way, if the Lord tarries, the Fruit of the Spirit Series continues on Sunday morning with a focus on peace.
When Paul lists the Fruit of the Spirit, he begins with love – not joy, peace, or patience… and that makes sense. Love is the foundation. It colors everything else we do, but let’s be honest: love isn’t always easy, especially the kind of love the Bible describes. It’s the kind that is patient, sacrificial, and consistent, even when life is messy.
Most of us think of love in romantic terms, or maybe as something we feel, but the love Paul talks about is different. It’s not a feeling that fades when people frustrate us or circumstances get hard. It’s a daily decision to act in ways that reflect God’s heart, even when it’s inconvenient.
Think about it. How often do we withhold love because someone hurt us? Or because they’re difficult to deal with? Or because we’re just tired? Scripture challenges us to go beyond what comes naturally.
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
Love shows up in ordinary ways. Maybe it’s pausing to listen when someone is venting for the third time. Maybe it’s letting someone go ahead of you in traffic. Maybe it’s forgiving your coworker or friend, even though they didn’t apologize. These aren’t headline-worthy moments, but they’re real-life expressions of Spirit-led love.
Another practical layer is how love shapes our relationships at home. Maybe your spouse, child, or sibling isn’t responding the way you hoped. Maybe patience is thin, and frustration is building. Choosing love means keeping your words kind, your tone gentle, and your actions reflective of Christ’s example.
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2).
Love doesn’t demand perfection from others; it simply chooses faithfulness. And let’s not forget the hardest part: loving when we don’t get anything in return. Love isn’t a transaction. It doesn’t measure what we receive before we give. We are reminded of this in 1 John 4:19, “We love because He first loved us.”
God’s love is the starting point. When we stay connected to Him, love naturally begins to flow through us. It’s not about our strength. It’s about His.
When we think about the greatest example of love, we don’t have to search very far. We simply look to the cross. Jesus didn’t just talk about love – He showed it. He loved when it hurt. He loved when He was misunderstood. He loved when He was betrayed.
The cross is love in its purest form, but here’s the question: what does that kind of love look like in our everyday lives? How do we live it out on a random Friday, in our homes, at work, or in difficult conversations?
That’s where the First Epistle to the Corinthians 13:4 – 7 becomes so powerful. In these verses, Paul breaks love down in simple, practical terms so we can see what it really looks like in action.
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.“
Practical takeaway? Start small. Notice the little ways you can show love today. Smile at someone who seems invisible. Send a text to encourage a friend. Speak gently when irritation rises. These are seeds. Over time, they grow. This is the love that the Spirit produces – not flashy, not forced, but steady, transformative, and real.
Remember: Love isn’t a project. It’s not something to achieve. It’s evidence of God at work in us, quietly, steadily, and faithfully.
Let’s try something…..Not deep theology, a long prayer or a complicated principle.
Just ….. count.
Ready?
One….Two…..Three…
No, seriously …. start counting.
Count Your Blessings, because somewhere between the bills, the deadlines, the disappointments, and the “why hasn’t this happened yet?” we forgot how much we actually have.
You know that old hymn? The one that says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one… count your blessings, see what God has done… and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”
That song is not just poetic. It’s practical. So yes, let’s actually do it.
One – You woke up today. Pause. Feel that breath fill your lungs. That alone is a miracle that happens again and again.
Two – You have breath in your lungs. I know I said that, but it’s worth repeating. Each inhale is a gift; each heartbeat is proof that God hasn’t forgotten you.
Three — You’ve survived things you once thought would break you. Remember that moment you thought you couldn’t go on? You did. You’re here. That’s grace.
Four – You’re still standing. Maybe not perfect. Maybe a little bruised. But standing. That counts.
Five – God didn’t give up on you. Ever. Not yesterday. Not last week. Not even when you almost gave up on yourself.
And we’re only at five. See how quickly it adds up?
Here’s the part that will hit you. While you’re counting your blessings… you will realize that there are many things you take for granted; things that many are praying and crying out to God for daily?
Your warm bed… Your safe home… The food you casually prepare…
There are people huddled together in tents, makeshift houses, or even under the open sky just trying to survive the night. Some are battling harsh winds, freezing temperatures, limited food and limited hope.
You sip your coffee and debate whether to add cheese or butter to your toast. Meanwhile, someone scavenges through garbage hoping for leftovers from someone they’ve never met.
Crazy, right? And yet, God has given you all of that and more but instead of gratitude, you are continuously complaining.
Gratitude isn’t just about noticing blessings. It’s about realizing how incredible God’s provision is, even when life feels ordinary.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we’re told to give thanks in everything. It’s not because everything feels good or because everything makes sense. Gratitude keeps our hearts aligned with God even when life hurls challenges at you.
David understood this. In Psalm 103, he literally talks to himself: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Don’t forget. Don’t let your memory be selective. Don’t remember only the pain and forget the provision.
That closed door? Protection. That delay? Preparation. That lesson? Development. That small opportunity? A seed.
Gratitude opens doors to blessings!
Let me provide you with two biblical examples!
“Elijah asked a widow for bread during a famine (1 Kings 17:12–14). She felt she had nothing left, yet she remembered what God had already provided – her life, her son, her willingness to trust – and God multiplied her blessing. Gratitude in the small gave her access to God’s abundance.”
“Think of David running for his life, hiding in caves, hunted by enemies (1 Samuel 24:1–2). Yet even there, he found reasons to bless God – his life was spared, his friends were faithful, and God’s protection was real. Gratitude in the midst of trials kept his heart steady and his faith alive.”
Sometimes we are so focused on the next level that we dishonor the current one by ignoring its blessings.
You may not be where you want to be, but you are not where you used to be. Count that.
You may still be waiting, but you are growing while you wait. Count that.
You may feel stretched, but you’re still sustained. Count that.
And to you reading this and going through challenge after challenge, I am not at all dismissing the reality of your struggles. What I am saying to you today is amidst the pain and the struggle, take time today to count those blessings that you are given by God. I may not know you but I know the Lord has and continues to bless you. How do i know that? Well, you are reading this message. That means: You can see, you have life, and you can read. That means your mind is working, breath is still in your lungs, and today has not defeated you.
I did tell you that you are blessed. Didnt I? Yes you are! Let me remind you of a few more of your blessings!
You have awareness – the ability to pause and reflect instead of reacting. You have access – the ability to receive encouragement in this very moment. You have ability, because as long as you are alive, you can still grow, forgive, and begin again. You have an assignment – God does not keep people alive without purpose.
I may not know your name or your story, but I know this: the same God who woke you up this morning is still sustaining you right now.
Let me also be real with you: Counting your blessings doesn’t erase the struggle but here is what it does: It reminds you that the struggle is not all there is! It reminds you that yes, the pain is still there, your challenge is still staring at you, but amidst all this, counting your blessings reminds you that your God is with you and he may not have removed the health or financial or family burden yet, but he has provided you with food, comfortable shelter, clothing, a few supportive friends and a family who loves you while you wait.
Gratitude doesn’t deny hardship. It just refuses to let hardship have the final word.
Here’s the beautiful part: the song we mentioned at the beginning, “count your blessings”, was right. When you truly begin naming them one by one, it will surprise you what the Lord has done. It can indeed surprise you and overwhelm you when you realise how often you have taken the blessings of God for granted every single day!
A thankful heart sees God’s hand everywhere.
So today, before you ask God for something else, pause …. and count.
Write down ten things that the Lord has blessed you with…. Yes, ten…I guarantee you that it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Even better… at night, reflect on what God provided that day – the little victories, the quiet moments, the peace that didn’t make a headline. Those are blessings too.
Here is a simple but effective activity you could engage in. I call it the piggy bank method. Locate an empty bottle or box in your home and every day write on a slip of paper one thing that God bas blessed you with and place it inside.When the year is over, open that bottle….You will have 365 Reasons to Give God Praise! (Almost sounds like a book title!)
Imagine this becoming a family activity! On the last day of the year, the box is opened and the slips are read. Wow! What a moment when everyone realises how much blessings were bestowed upon the family that year. So, give it a shot!
One…..Two……Three… Yes, Keep counting those blessings. You’re more blessed than you think.
Sometimes we forget this, not because we don’t believe it, but because life gets loud.
Pressure has a way of making us feel like we need to earn our place. Expectations creep in. Mistakes weigh heavier than they should and slowly, without meaning to, we start relating to God as though we need to prove ourselves rather than belong.
Scripture speaks quietly and clearly into that tension: Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” – 1 John 3:1 (KJV).
Did you catch that? Not trying to be or hoping to become. That is what we are. Being a child of God means belonging comes first. Before effort. Before consistency. Before we feel strong or certain. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”- John 1 vs 12 (KJV).
This was never about performance. It has always been about relationship. If you’ve ever felt like faith is heavy or you’re carrying more than you should, this truth matters. Children are not expected to carry the weight of the household. They are guided, taught, corrected when necessary and loved throughout.
The Apostle Paul puts it this way: “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15 (KJV)
Fear shows up when we forget who we are. When we remember, something settles. We begin to pray differently, we walk differently, we stop hiding when we fall and start returning instead.
Being a child of God also means we are not navigating life alone. God does not step back when we struggle. He stays close. “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Even on days when you feel unsure, distracted, or tired, His presence remains steady.
Jesus understood this. Before He healed anyone or spoke publicly, the Father declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Nothing had been proven or accomplished yet but identity came first.
That same order matters for us. You don’t wake up each day trying to earn God’s love. You wake up already held by it. So as you move through this week, let this truth follow you: You are a child of God, not someone trying to earn approval. You belong, even when growth feels slow.
Every step of purpose begins from that place of security. Sometimes the most freeing thing we can do is stop striving and remember who we are.
Last week, one of my readers said to me,”I often wonder what you are gonna write about next.” My response was simple: “Whatever God decides, Just keep coming to Steps of Purpose!”
My conversation with this pregnant mother became the inspiration for today’s post. From Monday to Friday, I seek to share messages sparked by conversations, music, and the simple yet meaningful moments of everyday life.
“So today, let’s draw a few lessons from the journey of pregnancy.”
There is something sacred about pregnancy. Before anyone sees the baby, life is already forming. Before there is evidence, there is existence. Before celebration, there is quiet development.
Purpose works the same way. You may not look successful yet. You may not feel ready. You may not even see visible results, but that does not mean nothing is happening. It may mean you are pregnant with something God placed inside you.
The fact is purpose sometimes develops in the dark. A baby develops in the womb, hidden, protected and unseen. That’s not because it isn’t important, but because it is valuable.
In the same way, God develops our calling in private before He unveils it in public. Joseph dreamed in obscurity long before he ruled in Egypt. David was anointed in a lonely field before he ever wore a crown. The pattern is clear.God does His deepest work in places where applause cannot reach and crowds cannot interrupt.”
The good news is this; If He started it, He will finish it.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” – Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
Now hear this: Growth can sometimes feel uncomfortable.
Pregnancy stretches, it shifts balance and creates discomfort. Purpose does the same. Growth will stretch your faith, it will force you to leave comfort zones and it will require maturity. That discomfort is not destruction; it is development.
Now, not everyone will understand this but in early pregnancy, you don’t always tell everyone. Why? Because what’s forming is fragile.
As believers in Christ you need to guard what the Lord Jesus is growing in you. The reality is not every vision needs immediate exposure. Some things must strengthen before they are shared.
Do you remember Luke 2:19? Let me refresh your memory: “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” Some revelations are meant to mature in silence.
A very important reality in all this is Timing Matters!
Research has shown that babies born too early may have underdeveloped organs, especially lungs and brain, leading to breathing, feeding, and infection risks. Babies born too late risk decreased placental support, growth issues, and birth complications. Both early and late births need careful medical attention.
So yes, I will repeat: Timing Matters!
Some of us delay purpose through fear while others try to force it through impatience, but God’s timing is intentional.
What He planted will come forth at the right time.
“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (KJV)
As I end today’s post I would like to leave one more word of encouragement with you.
Don’t Abort What God Assigned
The reality is discouragement may whisper quit, comparison may whisper “you’re behind” and delay may whisper “it’s not working.” Despite these distractions, do not abort what has been conceived in you.
Pray about it, protect it and prepare for it. You are not behind and you are not forgotten. You are developing. When it is time to give birth to what God has formed in you, it will not only bless you; It will bless others.
I was asked last night, “What do you fish for?” My answer: FOOD .. INNER PEACE .. SUCCESS and HAPPINESS (F.I.S.H.)
The more I thought about it though, the more I realized that while the question was asked because of my love for fishing, the reality is we are all fishing in the waters of life!
Let me ask you this: If someone followed you around for a week, not just listening to what you say, but also what you pursue, what would they conclude you’re fishing for?
Make no mistake – we’re all fishing for something, aren’t we?
Some are fishing for approval. Some are fishing for success. Some are fishing for money. Some are fishing for attention. Some are fishing for comfort. Every day we cast our lines into the waters of life, but the real question is:
What are you hoping to catch?
Here are four powerful targets for your fishing trip!
F – Faith Before He called them apostles, before the miracles, before the crowds, Jesus found ordinary fishermen by the sea. In the Gospel of Matthew 4:19, Jesus said:
“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
He didn’t just change their profession; He changed their pursuit. It’s easy to fish for what we can see. It may be promotion, applause or even validation, but faith casts a line into what we cannot see but trust completely.
Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that without faith it is impossible to please God. What if instead of fishing for recognition, we fished for deeper trust? Instead of chasing platforms, what if we sought the presence of the Almighty God?
Faith may not always give you the fastest results, but it always produces the greatest reward.
I – Influence Whether you realize it or not, you influence someone. Didnt know that huh?
Your children are watching. Your friends are listening. Your followers are observing. Your coworkers are measuring your consistency.
Influence is a net that is always in the water, but here’s the question: are we fishing for influence, or are we using our influence to fish for purpose? There’s a difference. Fishing for influence says, “Look at me.” Using influence for Christ says, “Look at Him.”
One builds ego; the other builds the Kingdom. Every conversation is a cast. Every post is a cast. Every reaction is a cast. What are you catching with yours?
S – Souls This is where it gets real. Jesus didn’t call His disciples to fish for comfort. He called them to fish for souls. In the Gospel of Mark 8:36, we’re asked a piercing question:
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
That question still echoes today. You can catch money and still feel empty. You can catch applause and still feel alone. You can catch success and still lack peace.
The big deal is when someone encounters Christ by looking at your life, or when someone finds hope because you were bold enough to speak, or when someone chooses faith because you lived authentically. Now, that’s a catch!
Can you imagine standing before God and realizing your quiet obedience helped save someone from drowning spiritually?
That’s fishing that matters!
H – Hope We are living in a world filled with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. People are tired. People are overwhelmed. Some are quietly battling storms no one sees. They don’t need arguments or opinions. They need hope.
Hope is the lifeline.
When you choose forgiveness instead of bitterness, you cast hope. When you speak truth in love, you cast hope. When you remain steady in a storm, you cast hope. You may never fully see the ripple effect of one encouraging word, one act of grace, one bold stand for Christ, but God does!
So tell me….What Are You Fishing For?
At the end of the day, we’re all casting something into the waters of life. The question isn’t if you’re fishing. The question is what for? Are you fishing for applause or obedience? Is your target comfort, or is it calling? Are you fishing for temporary gain or eternal impact?
Jesus took fishermen and turned them into world changers not because they were skilled with nets, but because they were willing to change what they were fishing for.
Maybe today is the day to pull up your line and examine your bait. Maybe today is the day to say, “Lord, teach me to fish for what truly matters.”
The reality is when you start fishing for Faith, Influence with purpose, Souls, and Hope, you will discover something powerful:
The greatest catch isn’t what you bring in for yourself. It’s what God does through you. 🎣
Have you ever been in a conversation where someone openly mocked your faith? Maybe they dismissed the Bible as outdated, questioned God’s existence, or even looked at you as if trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ made you foolish. It’s not a comfortable place to stand. Those moments can sting – being misunderstood, laughed at, or pushed aside simply because of what you believe. No question about it!
But if we’re honest, when we compare our experiences with what Scripture and church history tell us, we realize that what we often call “persecution” barely scratches the surface of what believers once faced.
Take Stephen, for example. He was one of the first servants in the early church, preaching Christ boldly. What happened to him? They stoned him to death. And even as he was dying, he prayed for the very people killing him: “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:60, KJV). Think about that. He didn’t waste his last words complaining or defending himself; he forgave. That’s faith under fire.
James, the brother of John, another one of Jesus’ disciples, was executed by the sword under Herod (Acts 12:2). No speeches, no last-minute appeals; just obedience until the end. And while Scripture foretells Peter’s martyrdom (John 21:18–19), it does not describe the exact manner of his death. Early Christian testimony records that Peter the Apostle was crucified in Rome during the persecution under Nero. According to Origen of Alexandria, Peter requested to be crucified upside down, considering himself unworthy to die in the same manner as the Lord.
John, the beloved disciple, didn’t die a martyr’s death, but he wasn’t spared suffering either. “According to early Christian writers such as Tertullian, he survived being boiled in oil and was later exiled to Patmos. Alone, rejected, and facing hardship, God still entrusted him with the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Faithfulness didn’t spare him pain, but it gave him purpose.
Polycarp of Smyrna was burned at the stake around AD 155 for refusing to renounce Christ.
Ignatius of Antioch was thrown to wild beasts in Rome around AD 108 while being transported from Antioch to execution.
While I was unable to find his name, I have heard mention that a follower of Christ was tied to horses and dragged until his body was torn apart. Brutal? Absolutely.
Scripture does not describe the death of Paul, but early Christian sources consistently report that he was executed in Rome under Nero. As a Roman citizen, he was likely beheaded rather than crucified. In 2 Timothy 4:6, Paul appears to anticipate his imminent death, writing, “I am now ready to be offered.”
In verse 7, he says, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7, KJV). Imagine that!
Here’s my point: the early believers didn’t confuse discomfort with persecution. They didn’t measure faith by approval, applause, or comfort. They understood what following Christ truly meant. Sometimes it meant carrying a cross, literally or figuratively. In some way, their lives speak directly to us today. Our disagreements, our moments of being misunderstood, even our personal losses are not the same as being stoned, executed, or torn apart by horses. But the principle is the same: faith often calls for courage, trust, and resilience.
The Lord Jesus said it plainly: “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18, KJV). That wasn’t just a warning; it was reality. So, if criticism bruises you or someone’s words make you feel persecuted today, take a moment to put it in perspective. Remember those who gave everything for their faith. Let their courage challenge you. Ask yourself honestly: If following the Lord Jesus Christ demanded more from me, would I still follow Him?
We say it often – “Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will provide” but the first time those words were spoken, they were not casual.
In Genesis 22 we read about a mountain, a promise and a test. Abraham was walking up that mountain with Isaac – the very promise God had given him. Isaac asked, “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb?” (Genesis 22:7, KJV).
Abraham answered in faith before he saw provision: “My son, God will provide himself a lamb” (v.8).
At the last possible moment, God intervened. A ram was caught in a thicket. Abraham called that place Jehovah Jireh – “In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen” (v.14).
Here is what we often miss: Provision was not waiting at the bottom of the mountain. It was waiting at the place of obedience. Too often we want supply before surrender. Scripture reminds us, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Jehovah Jireh does not simply provide things. He provides what is necessary for the season. David declared, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). This was not because he had no battles, but because the Shepherd sustains His sheep.
Paul echoed it: “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Notice all your need. Not all your preferences or your timing.
Sometimes the provision is strength: “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Sometimes it is peace: “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts” (Philippians 4:7). Sometimes it is daily bread: “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). And the Lord Jesus reminds us, “Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Matthew 6:32).
He knows, He sees and He provides.
Now there is something even deeper in Genesis 22. On that same mountain region, years later, God would provide again. Not a ram, but a Lamb. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Jehovah Jireh was never just about a temporary rescue. It pointed forward to ultimate provision which is salvation through Christ.
Maybe you’re climbing your own mountain right now : Financial strain, health concerns, unanswered prayers and maybe even quiet fears. You’re probably asking, “Lord, where will it come from?” Jehovah Jireh.
Provision may not appear at the beginning of the journey. But it will meet you at the place of trust. The God who gave the promise is the same God who sustains it.
Steps of Purpose 