A Life Not My Own

²² “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ²³ I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. ²⁴ 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 very well that his life was in endanger wherever he went. He knew persecution awaited him, but he pressed on regardless because the Spirit compelled him. Paul did not know God's plans, but had faith that wherever he went God would did dictate where he should be. His life worth was nothing, but rather Jesus and his message of forgiveness and grace was everything. His sole purpose was to testify what Christ has done on the cross, in which Jesus bridged the relationship between the Father and us. 

When I accepted Christ, I knew at an early age what he has done for us on the cross. He became my savior. Christ did not become to ruler of my life until much later when I when through trials and hardships caused by the consequences of my rebellion. Christ's Lordship was not apparent until Paul was stricken with blindness. At that moment when Christ revealed himself to Paul, his spiritual eyes opened. Likewise when I went through the hardships of life, I knew what it really meant to be redeemed through Christ's blood. Paul knew that his life was forfeited when he believed in Christ. He considered his prestige, bloodline, and wealth all garbage when it came in comparison with knowing Christ and serving him. For myself... I still don't know this and still striving to run that race Paul ran 2000 years ago. 

Paul's goals, desires, ambition... all pointed to one thing. Building God's kingdom.

21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ~ Phil 1:21

It was all or nothing for Paul. Why do I still hold on to this world expecting to gain?

Jesus forgive me for still holding on to this world. I want to have the fervor that Paul had. To give all of it up for your kingdom. Help me to run the race with all that I have. I want to know you more. 

In Jesus Name
Amen