Everyone has the same decision: What will be your next steps?

By Dean Collins

We all have a decision to make about our present circumstances and our next steps. There is nothing profound about that last sentence. And that’s our biggest problem, isn’t it? We tend to stroll or scurry through the day not realizing the importance of each moment and opportunity we have been given.

Our decision has to do with both focus and faith. Will we shrink back or forge ahead with the mission God has given us? Whether you are a CEO, a teacher, a parent, a retiree, or anything else, as believers we have a common mission of sharing the good news of Jesus in word and deed every day. If your day job has caused you to forget that mission, it’s time for a reset.

Paul’s example

The apostle Paul’s life and ministry offer a great example of what to do next. He was on his way to Jerusalem and, based on his recent experiences, knew that great difficulties and even suffering and death would come his way while he fulfilled his calling. The apostle knew he needed prayer and encouragement, so he called for the elders of Ephesus to come and meet him in Miletus. Even as Paul anticipated his own situation, he delivered a challenge to the elders. They needed encouragement, too.

Pay attention to Paul’s words: “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable.” There was no holding back for this servant of the Lord. He put his money, his time and energy, and his teachings in front of everyone. Yes, he spoke in public often, but he also never missed the opportunity to encourage and teach when he was with someone in their home.

Paul was headed for Jerusalem, and he said his constraints were provided by the Holy Spirit. Most of us don’t like the idea of anything keeping us constrained. What we fail to understand is that the Holy Spirit’s constraints provide both walls of protection and wide berth for the work of God in our lives. We do well to stay constrained by God’s Spirit in every way and at all times.

Paul’s assessment

As Paul evaluated his circumstances and his future, his assessment always came out the same. His comfort and pleasure were no comparison to the value of finishing the course of his life following and serving Jesus. There is no place or room for selfish living in the Kingdom of God.

Paul continued his words to the elders, reminding them of something Jesus said. You know this truth well, though we sometimes struggle to fully embrace it: “It is more blessed to give than receive .“ And Paul knew Jesus applied this truth to every aspect of life. God desires that we daily give away our time, energy, money, talent, and kindness. If we want the blessing of God, then holding back or hoarding is not acceptable. According to Paul, even in our weakness we are to help those who are weak. And then, remarkably, we get stronger as we give ourselves away.

Your decision

So back to your decision. It’s the one you need to make today. Will you shrink back in fear? Hesitate in your weakness? Cower in uncertainty? Or is today the day you humbly offer your prayer and yourself to God and forge ahead with the gifts of God for the people of God?

Everything flows from this one decision.

Your time with God’s Word
‭‭Acts‬ ‭20:20, 22-27, 32-38‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Photo by Malcolm Lightbody on Unsplash

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