October 16, 2026
REASON TO BE ENTHUSIASTIC
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them. They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit.
In this way, I have fully presented the Good News of Christ from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum. My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else. I have been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘Those who have never been told about him will see, and those who have never heard of him will understand.’”
Romans 15:17–21 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
In this candid look behind the curtain of Paul's apostolic life, he pulls back the veil on what fueled his relentless drive.
Paul was not motivated by personal ambition, financial gain, or public applause. He looked at his journey—replete with beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, and fierce opposition—and declared that he was genuinely enthusiastic about what Jesus was accomplishing through his life.
Paul outlines three foundational pillars that defined his ministry and offer a powerful blueprint for every follower of Christ.
1. It Was Done for God’s Glory (v. 17)
Paul states: "I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God."
The NIV translates this verse: "I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God."
Notice that Paul explicitly guards against self-exalting pride: "I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me." His enthusiasm was not rooted in his intellect, his Roman citizenship, or his impressive rabbinical training under Gamaliel. He was excited simply because God was receiving glory through a surrendered human vessel.
Think of the trials Paul endured. Human logic suggests he should have been burnt out, cynical, or exhausted. Yet because his heart was anchored on God's glory rather than personal comfort, even his hardships became platforms for the Gospel. When our enthusiasm is tied to God's glory rather than our personal ego, our joy becomes invincible.
2. It Was Done by God’s Power (vv. 18–19)
Paul explains how unreached Gentiles were brought into saving faith: "They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit."
Scripture draws a distinction between these manifestations of Spirit power:
Signs: Divine miracles that act as spiritual signposts, pointing directly to God's character, mercy, and willingness to intervene in human suffering.
Wonders: Displayed works of God that cause people to pause in awe, awakening their senses to a supernatural reality that cannot be explained by natural logic.
As Hebrews 2:1–4 notes, miracles were given by God to authenticate both the message and the messenger. They were never meant to glorify the human vessel. Anyone who claims miraculous power to build their own reputation or financial empire operates in deception. True signs and wonders always point people away from the servant and directly to the Savior!
3. It Was Done According to God’s Plan (vv. 20–21)
God gave Paul a distinct, pioneer assignment: to preach the Good News where Christ’s name had never been heard.
Instead of taking an easier path—building upon foundations laid by other apostles—Paul embraced the grueling work of planting seed in unplowed soil. He adopted Isaiah 52:15 as his personal marching orders: "Those who have never been told about him will see, and those who have never heard of him will understand."
Every single believer has a God-given assignment. Ministry is not reserved exclusively for pastors, missionaries, or evangelists on a stage. Every Spirit-filled believer has a mission field—their family, workplace, neighborhood, and community—where God desires to fulfill His specific plan through their daily obedience.
Reflection & Application
What fuels your spiritual enthusiasm? Is your joy tied to earthly success and human praise, or are you genuinely excited when God receives glory through your life?
Are you expecting God's power in your daily walk? Do you believe the Holy Spirit wants to work through your conversations and prayers in ways that natural logic cannot explain?
Do you know your current assignment? Have you asked the Holy Spirit to give you clarity on the specific people and places He wants you to reach in this season of life?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, ignite a fresh fire of enthusiasm within my soul today! Forgive me for the times I have allowed routine, weariness, or human opinion to dull my joy in serving You.
I declare that my life belongs to You. Work through my words, my hands, and my daily actions to demonstrate Your love and power to those around me.
Clarify Your specific plan for my life in this season. Give me holy boldness to step into unreached places in my world, so that those who have never encountered Your grace will see and understand who Jesus is. In His precious name, Amen.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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