SATURDAY October 12, 2024

Fulfilling the Will of God

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God....
Colossians 1:1

Over a period of about 23 years, Paul faithfully shared his conversion story––his Christian faith (Acts 9). God’s plan for Paul was revealed to Ananias, a disciple of Jesus, who was called by the Lord to go pray for him:

“Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16).

Paul was called to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ. That was God’s will for his life. He was not fearful of sinful men––kings or otherwise. He was not afraid of what might happen while in their hands. He rejoiced in God, knowing his future was secure in Christ. He looked forward to heaven and rejoiced in the hope of being with his Lord.

In studying the Bible, there was no one who had suffered as much as Paul, apart from Job. As an Apostle of Christ, he endured beatings, shipwrecks, and dangers from bandits and the Jews and Gentiles who hated him. His life was in peril. He often lacked sleep, food and necessities, but he was committed to fulfill his ministry given to him by the Lord.

I feel the same way as Paul. I love what I do––serving the Lord. I am not a pastor-teacher or an evangelist because I chose this path as a profession. You see, I am in the ministry because God placed a call on my life. I am called by His will to preach the Gospel.

Like Paul, I want to finish my race. Now that I am older, why should I retire? Retire and do what? Play golf? Go surfing every day? Some people find when they retire, they lose their purpose in life. Like Paul, I will continue to serve the Lord until He takes me home. It could be that I will have a heart attack and go right into the presence of God!

Are you serving the Lord in some capacity? Will you continue to serve the Lord all the days of your life? Commit to do the will of God and keep steadfastly looking toward eternity––one day you will be with 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!