Not DIssuaded

2/19/2022

Acts 21: 13   "Then Paul answered, 'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lords Jesus.' When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and say, "The Lord's will be done.'"

In the verses prior to the ones above, a Prophet name Agabus bound his own hands and feet with Paul's belt, and proclaimed that the owner of the belt would be handed over to the gentiles. The people gathered there did not want to see Paul harmed in any way, but they did not understand the true depth of his faith. Paul was ready not just to be taken prisoner, but to die for Christ. There was no wiggling out of it for him nor accepting help from those willing to help him flee. He knew what was going to happen, but he walked boldly towards the face of death. Was he unconcerned about his life or his mission? I do not think that is the case at all. He just was ready to give all of himself to teach others about Jesus and not be compromised in doing so. Wherever the Lord led him, and whatever he was asked to do, he did it without hesitation; he was ready for all of it. He was completely devoted to Jesus. 

Oh, to have the faith of someone like Paul and the many throughout the centuries who have followed God undeterred. They are the believers who go anywhere and do anything that Jesus requires of them. I wish I had the level of faith of these devoted disciples of Christ, yet I often hesitate when God asks me to carry out the smallest thing for Him. I KNOW that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, but I also KNOW I have to seek that strength. If I am distracted and veer from the path God has me on, because I am lacking in faith and devotion to Him, then I will stay apprehensive about going boldly into the word for Jesus. When, or if, I will ever get there is unknown to me; only God knows, but it is up to me to act and be willing when I am called. 

I am, as always, a work in progress.