Unmoved
“Great works are performed not by strength but rather by perseverance” - Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)
Consider Paul's words to the church elders in the city of Ephesus:
Acts 20:22-25 "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more."
It had been a few years since Paul’s evangelism trip to Ephesus where he found disciples of John. The church of Ephesus was founded during that trip when 12 men believed the gospel, were re-baptized in Jesus' Name and received the Holy Ghost.
Now Paul stood before the established church's leadership and was bidding them farewell. Paul was on a course ordained of God and he was not going to be deterred. The elders hoped to dissuade him from making the trip to Jerusalem knowing the outcome would not be good. Prophetic declarations were being made at each church Paul stopped at and the message had a common thread…prison and afflictions awaited.
“…none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself…”
Determination and confidence in a God ordained ministry motivated Paul to not be affected by what the cost would be. There is not a price high enough to neglect the responsibility of fulfilling God’s will.
But what about the results and the rewards of what God wants you to do besides the resistance?
If you are focused on His will, resistance will bring courage, rewards will lose importance, and results no longer have to be your concern…you’re just doing His will and nothing will move you.
Consider Paul's words to the church elders in the city of Ephesus:
Acts 20:22-25 "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more."
It had been a few years since Paul’s evangelism trip to Ephesus where he found disciples of John. The church of Ephesus was founded during that trip when 12 men believed the gospel, were re-baptized in Jesus' Name and received the Holy Ghost.
Now Paul stood before the established church's leadership and was bidding them farewell. Paul was on a course ordained of God and he was not going to be deterred. The elders hoped to dissuade him from making the trip to Jerusalem knowing the outcome would not be good. Prophetic declarations were being made at each church Paul stopped at and the message had a common thread…prison and afflictions awaited.
“…none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself…”
Determination and confidence in a God ordained ministry motivated Paul to not be affected by what the cost would be. There is not a price high enough to neglect the responsibility of fulfilling God’s will.
But what about the results and the rewards of what God wants you to do besides the resistance?
If you are focused on His will, resistance will bring courage, rewards will lose importance, and results no longer have to be your concern…you’re just doing His will and nothing will move you.
posted by Pastor Cortes at 5:42 PM
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