I’ve been reading Acts and I have been reminded again that Paul knew what was coming, but he continued anyway.
- How many times do we ask for God to save us from hardship?
- To take us out, instead of taking us through?
- Or completely avoid obedience because we are afraid of what we might face?
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…I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert…
Acts 20:22-31
I have also been struck by the fact that he shared the gospel of Jesus to whoever would listen!
I want to have the passion and courage that Paul had to talk about Jesus to whoever will listen!
I never want to diminish the calling to the people in my sphere of influence, no matter how big or small it may seem. God has given me these people to shepherd and love and it is important to Him.
I pray that I am alert and aware of the things the enemy is doing to destroy God’s church and the message of Christ.
We must all be actively pursuing the truth of God, walking in it and sharing it while bathing it in prayer and preparation.
What a reminder of our responsibility, our influence and discernment for this time!
FOCUS on Him! ☝🏻 Just because He doesn’t do something, doesn’t mean He can’t. He is the creator and He sees things we can’t see, knows things we don’t know and has purpose beyond what we can understand, so…
We don’t get strong by doing easy things. Strength comes from resistance and weight. The resistance and weight you feel, is the very thing that is making you strong! It is the thing that is making you, refining you, developing you into someone better, wiser, stronger! Can you ever remember a time in your life when you said “Wow! That easy thing I just did really changed my life!” Probably not… Trust Him through your storm, your pain, frustration, fear, circumstance… It’s called faith!
Jesus is your answer, your strength, courage and ultimate provider. Call on Him and He will sustain you.
The Walk 