RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TUESDAY, 22TH OCTOBER.
REMAIN FOCUSED AND AFIRE FOR THE LORD BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME.
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).
Our opening verse above is as inspiring as it is instructive. It reveals the kind of mindset you must have in the face of adversities. 2 Timothy 3:12 says, โYea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.โ
When youโre effective in the things of God, thereโre those whoโll surely criticize you and say demeaning things about you. However, you must remain undaunted. Refuse to allow their criticisms or malicious acts quench your zeal for the Lord and His work. Remain focused and afire for the Lord and keep doing what Heโs called you to do.
Youโre a city set on a hill that canโt be hidden (Matthew 5:14); that means youโre supposed to attract attention. While thereโre those whoโll be inspired by your passion and commitment to the Lord, some may despise you for it; but it makes no difference. Just keep serving the Lord, and faint not.
The opinions of others about you donโt count; you should only be concerned about the Lord and His Word concerning you. He doesnโt want you bothered about the challenges that come your way. Rather, He says, โConsider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptationsโ (James 1:2 AMPC).
Like the Apostles in the early Church, relish every opportunity to be criticized or persecuted for your commitment to Jesus Christ. Itโs an indication that youโre effective and making remarkable progress in the direction of His calling for your life. The Bible tells us that after the apostles were beaten and threatened, they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesusโ sake (Acts 5:40-41).
Even the Lord Jesus was criticized by the Scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees, but He was unmoved. As you diligently serve the Lord, Satan will stir up trouble against you, but like the Apostle Paul, declare, โNone of these things move me,โ and keep pressing on from glory to glory. Amen.
PRAYER
Blessed Father, youโre everything to me; knowing you more and serving you with my life is all that my heart beats for. Thus, it makes no difference what adversities may come my way, Iโm unruffled, knowing that in you I have victory. Iโm more than a conqueror, in Jesusโ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Isaiah 50:7 TLB; Acts 20:18-24
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Timothy 4:1-16 & Jeremiah 11-12
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John 7:1-10 & 2 Kings 9