11/01/2020
Has God ever sent you to do His bidding? Did it require that you face a fear that terrifies you, sacrifice something of yourself, or give up your pride by becoming humble before the world as you know it? Occasionally God sends us on a mission that lifts us up, and brings reward and honor to us, but most times we are meant to sacrifice ourselves... or to lay something of down that we have valued.
“For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship,”
Acts 27:23 ESV
When God awakens us with a vision, speaks to us from a burning bush, or sends an Angel to deliver a message to us, we typically tremble, because messages from God are usually hard to hear, and even more difficult to accomplish. In today’s scripture Paul is being sent to stand before Caesar, and in the process he must give some bad news to those with whom he sails... they will be shipwrecked!
“and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island.””
Acts 27:24-26 ESV
Jesus had appeared to Paul, blinded him, and then sent him to save the Gentiles and deliver them to God. Along the way the Jews turned against him and wanted him dead, so he was taken prisoner and was now being sent by sea to Rome where he would stand before Caesar. Yet what did Paul say about doing what he was told to do?
““Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”
Acts 26:19-20 ESV
Facing great hardship, drowning, and physical harm, Paul continued on to do what Jesus had instructed him to accomplish. Are we that dedicated to our faith, so much so that despite all of our fears and challenges will we be true to the vision that has been given us?
“not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.”
Ephesians 6:6-8 ESV
Abraham placed his son Isaac on the altar, and prepared to sacrifice him... Paul put himself in harm’s way for a people he detested, Jesus went to the cross for sinners, and in some way we will be sent in like fashion to do God’s will. When that time comes will we be ready to serve God? When the message of His Will is delivered to us will our Faith be strong enough that we will do His bidding? Will we wake in the night, and with a trembling voice answer “Here am I Lord!”?
You may have already received a vision, or today you might see an Angel at your bedside, who tells you what God wishes for you to do, but will you be ready to answer as you should? In that moment of truth will your faith we strengthened by spiritual courage, or your resolve bolstered by the Holy Spirit? Prepare yourself for the moment, and pray for the strength and resolve you will need to face it.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling each of us to serve you in some way that challenges us. Thank you for making us decide whether our faith in you, and Jesus, is strong enough to see us through the hardship, or to give what is required of us. Help us to overcome the obstacles whether they be physical, or something more personal like our pride. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who places us in uncomfortable places so that we can better understand how to serve you. Praised be your name as we quake before you, and quiver before the messengers you send to call out our name in dangerous times. You are strong Lord, and we ask that you give us a measure of your strength so that we can accomplish your will for us. You are courageous Father, and we ask that you impart your courage to us so that our faith will remain firm in the face of our enemies. Witness the strength our belief in action Lord, and see the way we serve you, and obey your Son Jesus. In this way hold our hands, and know that we love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Reward us as we humble ourselves, and wash us clean with the blood of your Son Jesus so that we will receive eternity with you, and a seat at your table forevermore.
Rich Forbes