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.
I Am Found In You
by
Steven Curtis Chapman
"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there." Acts 20:22 NIV
Paul had an interesting life. Born a Jew's Jew, he passionately persecuted followers of Christ. He was on the fast track of leadership in the anti-Christian movement. One day, when going to bring tragedy to more Christians, Paul was struck down by the Holy Spirit. Christ appeared to him, temporarily blinded him, and, over the next few days, Paul developed a conversion experience testimony unlike many other.
Paul quickly switched from a zealot against Christianity to a zealous Christian. He became God's great evangelist in the New Testament days. He was now the anti-Christians biggest threat, and they wanted to see him dead. No doubt, God used Paul in a mighty way to spread the gospel to the first century world, and his message is still much sought after today.
In the book of Acts, which is the history book of the New Testament, the evangelism crusades of Paul are documented. In today's scripture, Paul feels compelled to go to Jerusalem. By this point, Paul has faced much persecution. He knows his life is in danger, but he also knows that he must be obedient to the Lord. When you consider that Jerusalem, because of the Jewish people's reaction to Christ and Paul, was possibly his most dangerous journey, you would think Paul might choose a different city. Still, not knowing what Jerusalem will hold for him, he sets out for Jerusalem. That takes faith!
Let me ask you something. What are you setting out to do this New Year? As we enter the year 2001, what plans do you have to follow the Lord? Are you seeking His will over your own? Are you planning to obey Him, and Him alone, even when His plans don't exactly match up with your own? Does what you are doing for the Lord require faith? Paul knew that he had to obey God, not his own feelings or desires.
If you and I want to grow closer to Christ in 2001, we need to decide now that we will place His agenda before our own. Not always knowing what His outcome will be, we need to day by day, as He reveals it to us, follow the plans of our Lord.
Like Paul, do you feel "compelled" to do so?
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