"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
Acts 20:24 NIV
For two days we have looked at scripture where Paul tells the people he is going to Jerusalem. He felt "compelled" to go by the Holy Spirit, even though the Spirit also warned him that he would face persecution. Paul obeys, even when it is not comfortable to do so.
Today we get a glimpse of why Paul is willing to obey the Lord. He does so because he has a proper perspective on life. He is nothing. God is everything.
I know in a world that promotes self; where the "get all you can"/"be all you can" attitude is so prevalent, that claiming "nothingness" for yourself is not popular. But, Paul took the view that his only mission in life was to complete the task the Lord had given him. Nothing else in life mattered. Paul knew that pleasing God on earth, would bring eternal rewards in Heaven. He knew that suffering in this life was not worth comparing to the glory that awaited him when he would be forever in the presence of his Christ.
I know there have been some tough questions asked in this series, but I need to ask you a few more that only you can answer. What has God called you to do? Maybe God has not called you to go to Jerusalem to preach the gospel in the face of persecution. But, has He called you to be a mother or father? Has He called you to stick with that marriage, even if it is not working the way you had planned? Has He called you to teach those pre-schoolers or children on Sunday morning? Has He called you to participate in a Bible study, mentor a child without a father, or sing on stage?
Has God called you to read your Bible more, to pray more fervently, to speak a kind word on His behalf? Surely He has called all of us to live above the things of this world and to be His witnesses to a lost and dying world!
Whatever God has calls you to do, the burning question is simple: WILL YOU DO IT? The goal to be like Christ, and to receive the rewards in Heaven for our journey, will be found when we, in spite of the hardships, obey God in whatever He calls us to do.
For more of my thoughts, check out my personal blog at
http://www.ronedmondson.com where I write on issues such as marriage, parenting, church and leadership.
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Mustard Seed Ministry is reaching around the world with Biblical truths. The ministry is designed to spur the Christian from the smallest amount of faith, onto spiritual growth and maturity. This ministry goes places the church cannot enter. If you would like to support the work of this ministry, send contributions to Mustard Seed Ministry, PO Box 3698, Clarksville, TN 37043, or through Pay Pal (www.paypal.com) to
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I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
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