TUESDAY November 7, 2023

Thy Will Be Done

Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”
Acts 21:12-14

Luke and the rest of the brethren pleaded with Paul not to continue onward to Jerusalem. They knew what awaited him, and they spoke out of concern. They genuinely loved Paul and wanted him to stay where it was safe. If he remained with them, he would not be killed. They were not trying to contradict the Word of God. Their words showed compassion. Over the years, Luke and many other brethren had become a tightknit group. As they begged him not to go, we see a demonstration of their love––not just a love professed in words, but in actions.

Paul responded to their heartfelt concerns, “You are breaking my heart brothers.” Yet their heart were broken, too! He knew what God had called him to do. The Holy Spirit drove Paul to do God’s will with an even greater force. He had aligned himself with the perfect will of God. Paul was immovable in his commitment toward Christ.

I find that it is easy for someone to say, “I will die for Christ;” but if they cannot live for Christ today, then how can they really die for Christ? Seriously, how in the world can any of us give our lives for Christ? We need to learn from Paul’s example. As a leader, he was full of the Holy Spirit. He walked in the Spirit and had the mind of Christ. God strengthened him and gave him His grace. He had a perfect peace. He had no fear or regret.

Do you know what God’s will is for your life? Know this: God will give you the power of the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life or die a martyr. He will give you His grace to go through times of trial, persecution, and even death for the name of Christ. You belong to the Lord.

Commitment to the will of God––the purpose for which we are designed–– offers freedom to become the person we are meant to be.
~Charles E. Hummel~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!