Daily Devotion: Maintain Focus

Scripture:
Acts 20: 17-24

Main Verse:
Acts 20: 24
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Observation:
There is a price to be paid for the will of God. The path toward the kingdom of God will always be riddled with persecution, obstacles, challenges, and tribulations. There will be bumps on the road. There will be rocks, and stones, and boulders along the way. That is why when Paul spoke to the leaders at Ephesus, he told them that he has served the Lord "with tears and with trials," and that this time, the Holy Spirit Himself has told him that he will be imprisoned and afflicted. If Paul were living for himself, he would have probably refused to go to Jerusalem knowing that there awaits threats to his life. But his conviction is of more value than his life. His desire to testify about the Gospel is greater. His devotion to the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ is more important to him.

Application:
If you're a follower of Jesus and your life is smooth sailing, then there must be something wrong with your Christian life. We have a personal race and there will be obstacles and challenges in our way to completing it. The problem is, we are so faithless that when we experience persecution or trouble along the way, we go another way, or worse we stop going. Jesus did not promise an easy life for us but we have to maintain focus. If we look at Joseph's life, he did not stop when his brothers threw him into the pit. He did not give up when Potiphar sent him to jail. He just trusted the Lord despite the hurdles toward the way to the accomplishment of his vision. There is always a price for success, and it's the same on our way to the Kingdom of God. Don't lose focus, finish the course and ministry that we received from the Lord, which is to declare the Gospel of the grace of God.
 
Prayer:
Indeed, Lord, the road to your kingdom is rough and bumpy, but the great thing is that I am not alone. You are right beside me in everything that I have been through, and I thank You for that. I have peace and comfort knowing that I can finish the race you have ordained me. I pray, Lord, that I may serve you and declare your Gospel in any and every possible way no matter the challenges thrown at me. Thank you, Jesus, for your presence. Thank you for the assurance that You will always lead and guide me. I give all praises and honor and glory to your Mighty name alone. AMEN.