“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:22-24

This is my first time really diving into Paul and his ministry. Like many of you, I’ve read the Bible in 90 days, I’ve read the Bible in a year, but when you take a chapter a week and really dive into it, you draw closer to the people you’ve read about 100 times. I’ve been thinking a lot about Paul lately and have to say he’s someone I wish I could sit down with and pick his heart and brain. His faith is amazing. It just astonishes me that he so willingly goes wherever the Lord leads him, no matter what may come. It’s not about him at all, it’s all about God.

He knows that hardship and prison is coming.  The Holy Spirit has warned him, but he keeps going. It can’t be easy living the life of a missionary, but he keeps going, keeps spreading the Gospel and sharing God’s love everywhere he goes. I don’t know about you, but I like my comfort zone. I’m fine and content loving God and loving others, as long as I’m safe and secure. Stepping out into the unknown, I’m not so sure about that. We’ve talked about going to Honduras and spreading His love. That is definitely going out on a limb, but what about going to downtown Winter Haven and sharing my faith? I don’t know if I could do that. I don’t mind writing these devotionals or even speaking in a church setting about my faith, but going somewhere where I may not be welcome or persecution may arise, no way. We never know where God will call us to go, but we definitely need to pray for the courage to do His will and preach His word.

Prayer

Gracious Lord, You often call us out of our comfort zones to go to places or do things we never thought were possible. Help us to stay open minded and to be ready to go where You call us. Give us the courage, faith, and strength we need. Amen.