Paul’s Resolve

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, – Acts 20:24

Paul had a resolve in his life, to do and to complete the will of God in his life. He was called by GOD, to be God’s man in many missions to reach many who are lost. Paul reached the known world for Christ and his epistles are much read and practiced as they are inspired by GOD. But Paul faced severe opposition and difficulties as he aimed to live for God. Much like many of us today who want to live for God but yet are faced with the difficulties, hardships, stresses and trials of lives. What need to be our attitude as we aim to live for GOD?

1. We need to be resolved not to allow the hardships and trials to affect us: none of this things move me.. Paul was told by the Holy Spirit that he was going to face affliction and imprisonments in Jerusalem when he goes there. There was a clear word from GOD to Paul regarding the opposition he will be facing. Yet, his resolve was NOT TO ALLOW THE CIRCUMSTANCES to hinder him to live for GOD. Though there are hardships, yet God’s will remain more important to me than the inconvenience and hardships he will face.

2. We need to resolve that the dearest things on earth lose their attraction to us: neither count I my life dear unto myself. What is dearer to an individual than the life of the individual? Many will give up riches and honour to save their own lives. Paul uses his dearest thing in life to compare with the duty of the gospel and resolves that even his life is nothing compared to the preaching of the gospel, because he knows that the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto Salvation to everyone that believes! He may lose his life but he will still go to Heaven! Even if he loses his life, Paul was much more concerned that that more people go to Heaven! So his life, even if he loses it, is acceptable with Paul as long as he is in the will of GOD.

3. We need to resolve to complete the course for Christ: that I may finish my course with joy.. GOD has given us His will, and He has given His Spirit to assist us in the will of GOD. We need to settle in our hearts that we want to know the will of GOD and to complete it. When this spiritual desire is placed in our hearts, we can then resolve by the grace and strength of GOD to complete the course.

Christian, we need to say that I will not allow the trials of life to hinder me to live for GOD; I will not allow myself to be attached to this world so much that I am willing to let it go so that I can life for GOD; and I am resolved to do the will of GOD and to complete it with His help.

Lord grant that Thy Servant be faithful to Thee to the end…

Evangelist – Pastor Johnny Tan
Ambassador Baptist Church