Don't Be Moved!

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

I must say that one of my favorite people in the Bible is Apostle Paul. This man went through hell and back, all for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We as believers and disciples can learn a lot from Paul. As we see in Acts 20:17-24, Paul is exhorting the elders in Ephesus. He knows very well that tests and trials await them as they continue to serve the Lord, so he encourages the people before he heads off to Jerusalem. He says in Acts 20:18-19, “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons. Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews.”  In other words, you guys know me. I have been instant in and out of season, doing the will of God. Serving the Lord not high mindedly but with all humility, with many tears. Wait a minute, did he say with many tears? As I read this the Holy Spirit began to let me know that yes, there will be great days. There is joy in fulfilling your God-given purpose. However, there will be many tears. Why do we think that when we finally surrender and begin to do the will of God sorrow does not follow?

Matthew 13:21 tells us that because of the word persecution comes. Because of the word that you have hidden in your heart you will have trouble. Because you refuse to stop doing the will of God you will have tears. Because you have forsaken the ways of the world persecution will come. This is what Paul was trying to tell them. He said there were many tears and temptations which befell him by the plotting of the Jews. The Jews…the very same people Jesus came to die for…the very same people Apostle Paul was trying to pull out of the fire. Yet, the man of God stood his ground.

As he stepped out on faith and obedience, he headed for Jerusalem knowing that trouble awaited him. He says, “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me” (Acts 20:22-23). The Holy Spirit let him know that trouble awaited him. Nevertheless, he went forward with only one thing on his mind: doing the will of God.

The next verse is so profound that I read it over and over.  He says, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). This is what you call dying to self. He said, “Neither count I my life dear unto myself.”  He was more concerned with doing the will of God than his own happiness or comfortability.  Persecution, temptation, the evil deeds of men, and even imprisonment…through it all he says, "But, none of these things move me." How often do we allow situations, circumstances, or even people to move us? God wants us in a place where our hearts are so loyal and stout in Him that nothing will stop us from doing the work that He has called us to do. Furthermore, God wants us to have joy through it all. In all these things Paul said he wanted to finish his course with joy.

Situations will come where it seems God has left you. People who said they loved and supported you will leave. The very same people you pray for will turn their backs on you. You will be persecuted and talked about because you take a stand for Christ. But, let none of these things move you! God alone is your Rock and your Salvation; He is your Defense; You shall not be greatly moved (Psalm 62:2).

Keep going. Don’t give up. Don’t be moved by what you see or how you feel. King David reminds us in Psalm 55:22 to cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose]. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Be Encouraged.

A.M.