Paul continued his final message to the Ephesian's elders, "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). Paul knew through the Holy Spirit that when he returned to Jerusalem, the religious Jews would persecute him. However, he was determined to finish what God had called him to do, and that was to preach the gospel wherever God led him. Paul completely surrendered his life to the hand of God. Paul's complete dedication to accomplishing God's calling in his life is an example for all of us. True Christianity is not about living for ourselves but living for God. God saved us from our sins and gave us eternal hope in Heaven to honor Him and follow His ways while we wait for that day to take us home to be with Him.
We are God's children saved by His grace, not through our good works, so we no longer belong in this world. God calls every believer to share the gospel and be an example by living for God. We have to value God more than ourselves to live for Him. It is natural to be persecuted for our faith in the Lord because this world hates God and His ways, but we should not be afraid or angry, but we need to pray for those who persecute us. Someday, everyone who ever existed in this world, whether alive or dead, will confess and bow down before our Lord Jesus and acknowledge Him that He is God (Philippians 2:10-11).
As we interact with people today in our homes, schools, works, or other places, let our faith in the Lord shine. Let us become an example of kindness in words and deeds. Let us stand for what is right before God, and if there is an opportunity, let us share our faith. Let us do the things that please our God and stop doing sinful things. When we begin to live for Him, we will experience His joy, peace, and presence.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you) How am I living my life today? Do I value myself more than God? Do I trust God with all of my life?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank you for saving me. Please help me to value you more than myself. Please help me to let go of trying to control my life instead of surrendering my life completely to your caring and loving hands. May my desire increases for you and less on the things of this world. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.