Somewhere in the west, a recent university graduate could not find employment. He was highly skilled and his grades had been excellent. But no employment was to be found. Finally, in disgust and anger, he mailed his diploma back to the president of the university from which he had graduated. "Take this thing back," he wrote. "It has done me absolutely no good. There are no guarantees in a college degree any more."

The president read his note, and mailed the diploma back to the young man with these words: "A university degree is not intended to guarantee you victories in life, but rather to equip you for the struggles of life." (1)

If ever there was someone in the Christian Church who experienced long nights and difficult days, it was the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. Howev…