Devotion:
Read Acts 20:17-24.
In this passage of Scripture, we pick up the life of the apostle Paul at the end of His third missionary journey. In this farewell address to the elders of the church, he recalls both the times of struggle he faced, as well as his faithfulness to preach the Gospel. During his times of struggle, his message was rejected, he was abused, people rioted against him, and he was chased, stripped, and beaten. In spite of these challenges, Paul continued to minister. In verse 24 Paul says, “But none of these things move me.” (KJV) The apostle Paul was like an unmovable rock. Regardless of how the storms might blow, he remained a steadfast man of God. He is now compelled by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem where he knows he will be put in prison and will face greater hardships. Paul remains steadfast with only one aim: “...to testify to the good news of God’s grace.” (NRSV)
Paul was “unmoved” by his sufferings. They did not cause him to change his course, to change his direction. He remained faithful to his calling and trusted God through the power of the Holy Spirit to guide him and protect him so that he could continue the good work of the Gospel. Paul chose to let nothing move him away from God’s will, from finishing the course, and from the tasks given to him by the Holy Spirit.
For those of us who have received Christ as our Lord and Savior, we too have been called to do his will, to serve others, and to be a light in the world in spite of all the challenges we face. Are you easily moved from this course God has laid out for you? Or are you unmoved and faithful to the cause of Christ?
Personal Worship Option:
Paul’s aim was to finish his work for God with joy. He writes in 2 Timothy, his last book, these words:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Considering the direction of your life today, how might your faith life be described?
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