From a Roman Prison to the Ends of the Earth - Encouragement for Today - March 16, 2026

Kathie Lee Gifford March 16, 2026

From a Roman Prison to the Ends of the Earth
KATHIE LEE GIFFORD

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.” 2 Timothy 2:8-9 (NIV)

There are few things more awe-inspiring than standing on the shore and watching the tide roll in. It doesn’t matter what stands in its way — sandcastles, rocks, or debris — the water comes. We cannot command the ocean to stop. It moves with a deep, rhythmic power that is completely outside of our control.

The gospel is a lot like that tide.

Throughout history, governments have tried to legislate it away, critics have tried to mock it into silence, and darkness has tried to extinguish its light. But like the sunrise or the tide, the good news of Jesus Christ is an unstoppable force of nature — or rather, a force of heaven.

In the first century, if you wanted to see seemingly unstoppable power, you looked to Rome. Rome had the legions, the laws, and the swords. The early Christian movement, by comparison, looked incredibly weak. Its leader had been executed on a Roman cross. Its greatest missionaries and apostles were frequently beaten and imprisoned. To the casual observer, it looked like Rome held all the cards.

But the Apostle Paul knew a secret. He knew that the power of Rome was superficial — it could force compliance, but it couldn’t change a heart. The gospel, however, is the power of God (Romans 1:16). It works from the inside out.

Paul wrote to his fellow believer Timothy from a cold dungeon, saying:

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained” (2 Timothy 2:8-9, emphasis added).

Paul understood that you can lock up the messenger, but you cannot lock up the message. While Emperor Nero was busy trying to crush “superstition” about Jesus, the love of Christ was spreading like wildfire through the very heart of the empire.

This is our great hope today. When we look at the world and feel overwhelmed by darkness or hostility toward our faith, we must remember: The gospel has survived empires before. It has outlasted every tyrant who has tried to destroy it. We carry a message that cannot be stopped because it is powered by the resurrection life of Jesus. We can be bold — not because we are strong but because the Truth we carry is invincible.

Lord God, thank You for the unstoppable power of Your gospel. When I feel discouraged by the state of the world, remind me that Your Word is not chained. Give me the courage to stand firm in my faith, knowing that the light of Jesus is stronger than any darkness. Use me to share this life-changing hope with those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Discover how the gospel of grace overcame an empire with the new book from Kathie Lee Gifford and Dr. Bryan Litfin, Nero and Paul.

ENGAGE

Connect with Kathie and find out more about her new book on her website or Instagram!

Enter to WIN your very own copy of Nero and Paul by Kathie Lee Gifford and Dr. Bryan Litfin. To celebrate this book, their publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, March 23, 2026.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (NIV).

Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (NIV).

In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded that God’s power is greater than the obstacles you are facing?

How does knowing that the gospel is unstoppable change the way you pray for those who have not yet heard it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org