Every once in a while I have a scripture that does not leave my mind. Like a tune stuck in my head, a particular Bible verse will resurface, over and over no matter what I find myself doing.
The past few weeks, this has been the verse. In the book of Acts, Paul is speaking to the elders of the church of Ephesus when he says something that just impacts me profoundly.
After telling them he knows his trip to Jerusalem has suffering waiting for him, he said,
"But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it's not my fault, for I didn't shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know." Acts 20:24-27 (NLT)
Later he would write to Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing." 2 Tim 4:7-8 (NLT)
What are we here for if not to fight the good fight for his Kingdom? Are we keeping our ears intent on listening to the Holy Spirit, willing to follow him wherever we go? Are all of our time, talent and resources available to the cause of Christ?
When it comes time for us to leave this world, will we have the same conviction that Paul did, that we have fought the good fight, and when given the opportunity, we did not shrink back from declaring the good news to anyone who had ears to hear?
Let us begin this week,by working these verses into a prayer
Lord Jesus, my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work you assigned me—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Help me today to be faithful. Give me the strength to never shrink from declaring all that God wants those I encounter to know.
Each night Lord, may I have confidence that I fought the good fight for the day, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
By your grace, and for your glory may I live each moment for your Kingdom.
Amen
