Beth Moore - Shining Like Stars in Deepening Darkness - Part 1
We have known about people who have been faithful in suffering and even faithful in martyrdom, and still wouldn't we say Paul is remarkable? And I ask you why would we say that? Why would we get to the end of the book and still look back over and go, "He really was remarkable"? Why? What was it about him? And I would present to you that I think it is his joy.
I can tell you this. I don't know a lot, but I have lived long enough to know that of all the things that God does to bless us the biggest prize is his presence himself. It's just him. It's just, at first when we first come to faith, it's all about what Jesus can do for us, and then after a while we get to know him and go, "You know what I want you to do for me? I just want you to be with me. It's you that I want more than anything".