SCRIPTURE:
“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
OBSERVATION:
There’s a worship song that goes, “God, I will make room for You to do whatever You want to.” Perhaps you’ve sung it at one of our services, or you’ve prayed a prayer like this. However, do you really mean “whatever?” We’re okay when God wants to do the “easy” thing in our life, but what about the “hard” thing? What if God wants to do something difficult in your life? Paul was willing to do so.
In Acts 20, we find Paul deciding whether or not he should move onto Jerusalem for ministry. Through the Holy Spirit, he knows that difficult things await him if he is to go. He knew that if he went to Jerusalem, he would end up in prison, suffer hardships, and face great consequences. However, he goes anyway because he knew that despite all the pain and hardships, God was still asking him to go. He did not need to know why he was to go, he did not need to make a deal with God, and he did not need a guarantee that things would eventually end up the way he wanted things to go. He simply goes out of obedience, recognizing full well that he may even die as a result of his journey.
Paul is able to go because He has understood the true meaning of life: “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.” Thus, he could risk his life and do “whatever” God wanted him to do because to Paul, the greatest thing he could do was love God through his complete obedience.
APPLICATION:
Today, you may find yourself wrestling with a difficult decision. Perhaps God has already spoken to you, perhaps you’re avoiding it, or maybe you’re still coming to terms with the reality that God is asking you to do something “difficult.” If you are, you are in good company because Paul struggled with the same thing! It’s not easy when God asks us to do difficult things, but we can trust Him always, because ““[His] thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways [His] ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are [His] ways higher than your ways and [His] thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Despite needing to face hardships, endure difficulties, and sacrifice comfortability for God, you can still allow God to do “whatever” He wants to do in your life because if He’s asked you to do it, He’ll be with you through it. And not only that, but His character is good, His heart is for you, and He always desires what’s best for you. Sure, the difficulty is preventing you from seeing what’s on the other side, but if you follow God in full faith and complete obedience to what He’s asked you to do, you might just find the Promised Land waiting for you just beyond that mountain.
Today, as you choose to submit to God and do “whatever” He wants you to do, remember His promises, His character, and His heart for you. Cling on tight to these seven promises, straight from His mouth to you, as you “finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given [you]”:
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Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
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Romans 5:3-5
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
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Joshua 1:9
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
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John 16:33
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
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Romans 8:17-18
17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
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Psalm 23:1-6
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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Romans 8:28
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
PRAYER:
God,
Thank You for being a God we can trust in all things, for You are always good. God, right now, I make room in my heart, and in my life, for you to do “whatever” you want to. No matter the cost, no matter the sacrifice, and no matter my comfortability, I will follow You in complete obedience. When you speak, like Isaiah, my answer will be “Here am I, send me.” God, when I endure difficulty, be my strength. I know it will not be easy, but I am ready and willing to follow You anywhere, because I know that You are for me, and because I desire to finish the race and complete the task You have created me for. Use me however You want to, wherever You want to, whenever You want to. All I am is Yours.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
