Acts 20:24(KJV)
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.
When Apostle Paul was told by the Holy Ghost that bonds and afflictions awaited him, he was not moved but determined to finish his course with joy to testify the Gospel of Grace of God(a core part of the message of the Christian faith). He focused on it wholeheartedly, so that nothing would derail him from the race. He was caught up in pleasing the Lord, caught up in finishing his course with joy, and caught up in the glorious hope that was ahead. He died into his assignment and wasn’t caught up with all the afflictions, bonds or all that were said against him.
In today’s world, some teach that if you are saved today, you will surely make it to Heaven, even if you continue to live like the devil. They will tell you what appeals to your flesh and call it “the good news”. No! It is called deception. Many have left the work given to them for lack of the fear of God in them. They have turned their backs forgetting that on the day of judgement they will be asked. There are some who have been taking the grace of God out of context, believing that consistent, righteous works are not needed after salvation. They mix the truth of God’s Word with a bit of deception forgetting that Bible instruct us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling(Philippians 2:12) and repeatedly say that only those who endure to the end shall be saved(Matthew 24:13). Although Paul preached the Gospel of Grace, he did fight a good fight and finished his course. Luke 21:34-35 says “But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t go to sleep at the switch.”
Beloved, take heed, lest you fall. Be careful how you run the race! Run the race like Paul did and endure to the end, not worried about anything, always trusting in God to help you to fulfill destiny. Today, choose to see things from God’s perspective. Keep your emotions in check and don’t be moved by your circumstances instead, trust God because He is Faithful. He’s working behind the scenes, and He will fulfill His Promises to you! It is time to be dedicated to your assignment if you want to reap the fruit of success. Grow and mature to the point where sin doesn’t move you. As you do so, God will change your story in the Name of Jesus Christ
O LORD, I ask for Your supernatural joy and strength to stand strong no matter what I face in Jesus’ Name.