Read Acts 19 – 20
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. Acts 20:24 KJV
The Apostle Paul had completed his third missionary journey and was on his way to Jerusalem. As he drew near others began warning that Jerusalem was too dangerous and tried to keep him from going. They were concerned for his welfare and wanted to keep him from harm. Paul was determined to stay the course he believed God had set him on. Some, both then and now, say he was a fool. But as we read the rest of the story we realize this statement and his determination to go is a great example of faith. We cannot allow the possibility of harm to keep us from fulfilling the course, ministry, and testimony of the gospel, if we did, nothing would ever be accomplished in the cause of Christ. If all it took was the possibility of harm to keep us from serving Christ then very few would serve. For Paul the gospel and his calling were far more important than self-preservation.
Lord, I realize it is only because of the determined faith of men and women like the Apostle Paul that I was eventually given the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel. Keep me from a weak faith that never takes a risk to share the gospel with others.
A question to ponder: Many Christian men and women have faced the threat of physical harm since the days of the Apostle Paul, can you name any of them, and are you willing to?
