I am Ready

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased , saying, The will of the Lord be done.  Acts 21:13-14

Are you ready? I reflect on these couple verses found in the middle of Acts 21 and think of how many times I have been fearful, lacked trust, listened to the world, or allowed myself to be influenced by others.  To focus on me and not do the, “Will of the Lord“. My personal excuses in these moments could include; I wasn’t ready yet, no time, over-extended, or, afraid of a perception that others would possibly judge me by. I can be lost or selfishly looking at me at times without letting the will of our Lord take hold of all aspects of my life.

Today, as we continue to grow in the wisdom of what Paul shares with us in Acts, we can be encouraged to show courage.  Paul shows how not to be afraid and to share His word even when fear can be on the horizon.  Be inspired! This courage found in Paul is inside of all of us! Think, what if when Agabus approached Paul and other believers, after taking Paul’s belt for the purposes of modeling to him the bounding that was going to transpire. What if Paul in that moment said, “You know what Agabus, your right let’s stop spreading the good news.” No way!!! Paul’s faith and God’s grace gave him courage. Think,  How many eternal lives would of been lost if Paul didn’t do the Lord’s will.

As a staff our school has been reading a book called Move Your Bus written by Ron Clark.  In this book there is a parable about a bus that doesn’t have a gas tank but  moves based on those that are on the bus.  In the book these people can consist of; runners, joggers, walkers, riders, and the driver. I share this story because I think of Paul.  Paul is a runner.  He is not walking, going for the ride, or choosing his moments to run.  He is a full-time runner.  He’s ready for anything. Whatever needs to be done, and when it needs doing.  Paul is there ready to work  without persuasion. He simply loves God and knows the only way for others to get to have a relationship with Him is through sharing the truth.  Paul doesn’t give in or decide to remain silent. He knew God’s will for him.

Now none of us enjoy physical pain, hardships, or hurt. But through faith, our desire to please God can overshadow the avoidance of suffering. I’m sure Paul didn’t enjoy being bound, beat, and having to go through all the humility and pain.  Yet his main focus was to do God’s will and he accepted it all. In these times like Paul we can say, “The will of the Lord be done.” 

It’s hard for me to say no.  I want to do as much as I can for God, family, friends, and others. But, when God is not involved I can struggle with knowing what is for me and what is for Him. Help our desires to be on Him.

God, I pray now for wisdom and discernment to keep you at the center of all our decisions.  That when you open doors for us we enter. Give us courage like Paul. Let your will be done!  – Amen

In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. Luke 14:33

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I love verse 15 that follows. (15)And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.  Paul’s courage has an impact on others. After pleading with Paul to not go to Jerusalem, and Paul saying basically too bad, I’m doing the Lord’s will. The rest of the group who all wanted to turn around joined Paul in his mission.  That’s leadership. His courage affected them. God’s will!

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:6-7

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34

Are you ready? 

Dear God,

Thank you for your word. We know you desire a total commitment to you from us. We give up ourselves to follow you and your will. Use us to accomplish all goals planned for our lives.  Amen