Paul had this ministry of the new covenant only by the mercy of God. Paul didn’t qualify for this because of who he was and certainly not because of his past. It was that same mercy that sustained Paul as he worked so that, even though he faced many difficulties and was certainly discouraged, he could say, “we do not lose heart.” Because of God’s mercy, Paul did not give up. Again contrasting himself to the false teachers who aimed to discredit him, Paul renounced any disgraceful or underhanded way. He didn’t try to trick people or tamper with God’s word. Instead, he openly proclaimed the truth with a clear conscience before God. If Paul was preaching only the truth, why didn’t more people believe? The gospel message remained veiled to those who were perishing. They refused to believe because they had been blinded by Satan, the god of this world, who has worked hard to keep unbelievers from seeing the light of the gospel, which is the glory of Christ who is the image of God. Paul wasn’t preaching or promoting himself but Jesus Christ as Lord. He saw himself as a servant to those he was ministering to for Jesus’ sake. The same God who spoke to create light out of darkness has also shone His light into the darkened hearts of believers to give us knowledge of Him in the face of Jesus Christ. While we are all darkened by sin, God gives us glimpses of His light which we have the opportunity to respond to. Everyone who responds to the prompting of God will have the veil removed and the glory of Jesus Christ will fully shine in their hearts (John 1:9; 12:32; 16:8-11).

It is God’s mercy that saves and it is God’s mercy that sustains. When life seems hopeless, don’t focus on the darkness, focus on the light of Jesus Christ.