One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you.” (Acts 18:9)
How is your vision? Is it 20/20 like the apostle Paul’s? It will be if you keep your eyes fixed on the Author and Perfecter of your faith, who has promised never to leave you or forsake you . . . no matter what.
Here is what Paul knew: As long as the Lord had work for him to do, nothing could stand in his way, because God was with him. To be sure, the religious leaders stood in rigid opposition to their once beloved brother in the Jewish faith, whom they now despised because he was a Christian and an apostle of Christ. No matter what those who hated Paul wanted to do to him, they were helpless against Omnipotence. No weapon formed could come up against the great apostle, because he was in the center of God’s will for his life, and he knew that he still had more work to do to expand the cause of God’s kingdom.
This is true for each one of us. Because you are reading this right now, God still has work for you to do. The key is to make sure that you are doing His work and not your own. No one could harm Paul until he had completed his earthly assignment, and no one can harm you either . . . until you have completed the work that God has given you to do on this earth.
So what is holding you back from doing all God has called you to do? Remember what God said to Paul: “Do not be afraid.” Here is what I have learned during my years as a pastor: The devil and his minions are no match for the saints of God—not because of our strength, but because of His strength. The devil himself flees at a word from our Lord; the evil one cannot do anything without God’s permission.
Remember, until you take your last breath, God is not finished with you. He has work for you to do, and He will give you everything you need to do all He is calling you to do. Do not be afraid. Keep on speaking! Do not be silent. Why? Because your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is with you every step of the way. And when you have not the strength to take another step, do not be discouraged. He will carry you forward across the finish line.
Keep looking to Jesus and your vision will always be 20/20.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 