I was an English major in college, and at heart I am a communicator. I now live every day of my life to communicate the truth, hope and joy found only in the Word of God.

As a communicator, I consider myself somewhat of a "wordsmith." I love the power of the written word and of the spoken word. I am incredulous that one or two words can change someone's life, can bring immeasurable pain or extravagant joy, or have the capacity to deliver peace to a raging storm.

The power of a word well-spoken, the Bible tells us, is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

What a beautiful picture, indeed!

One of my favorite words has always been the word "relentless." I love the sheer strength of the word "relentless" and the sweat-breaking challenge that it brings.

Oh to be a relentless Christian, a relentless woman of faith, a relentless carrier of the Holy Spirit!

The apostle Paul understood completely the meaning of the word, "relentless."

" ... testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But none of these things deter me. Nor do I count my life of value to myself, so that I may joyfully finish my course and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:21-24).

Paul got it. He understood what it took to walk relentlessly in his God-given destiny.

Paul declared that even though the Holy Spirit had warned him that bonds and afflictions awaited him, he would not be moved from his course of declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul refused to whine, to tell his side of the story, to complain or to give in to circumstances and events. Paul boldly announced that what he saw by sight would not sway his resolve to cross his finish line with joy!

As 21st century Western Christians, often we are often more influenced by discouragement and by halfhearted enthusiasm than we are by choosing to relentlessly share the truth of Jesus Christ. When circumstances fall apart and events are less than positive, our resolve is shaken and our determination erodes quickly.          

I believe that the Holy Spirit is looking for men and women in every generation who refuse to be moved! The Holy Spirit is on an all-out search to find men and women, just like Paul, who are determined to finish their course with joy.

The Holy Spirit is on a desperate quest to discover men and women who are relentless in their persistence of making a difference of God-sized proportions.

The apostle Paul was a relentless man; his single-minded, sold-out ambition was to finish his race well and with unquenchable joy.

I dare you to put on the mantle of Paul and then to refuse to allow anything or anyone to move you from running your race and finishing your course with joy.

I dare you to renounce the call of mediocrity and then to relentlessly follow what God has determined that you should accomplish during your tenure on earth.

I dare you to refuse to allow anything to move you from your God-given assignment and call. I dare you.

I will declare with Paul ... none of these things move me.

Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical, biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written five books: No More Ordinary, Holy Estrogen!, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart and Defiant Joy! Her most recent book, Refined: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Fire, was released on Aug. 1. Her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman's Heart won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.