...complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me...

"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem (Africa), not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in ever city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:22-24


Every once in awhile the Spirit leads me to a passage in Acts and I am overwhelmed by the mission that Paul endured. I read through Acts 20 tonight, a couple of times, just soaking in all that Paul shares during these few versus. First, even though he is facing all kinds of hardships, he still makes the time to encourage those around him. Then, in Troas, during a time of preaching a man falls 3 stories and dies. And yet Paul runs down, hugs the man and exclaims, "He's alive". And then he goes on to explain his journeys from place to place and while in Miletus, he explains to the elders of Ephesus some more words of encouragement. And this is where I find the words I have put above. But first I want to just think through the story of Eutychus.

Eutychus, is the man sitting by the window during Paul's teaching in Troas and falls 3 stories during Paul's 3rd story. 3, the number of perfection. The Trinity, 3. Paul rushes down, embraces him and says, "He's alive". This idea of falling to your death and then being embraced with life. That's salvation. This story may not be how Eutychus came to Christ because I'm no theological student, but when I read about death and then life, all I can think about is Jesus and His death and Resurrection and how that symbolizes are death and resurrection through Salvation. When we pray and asks Jesus into our heart, our old self dies. Our sin that Jesus carried with Him on the cross is dead due to his perfect life. Our old dreams, desires and  duties die. And through that prayer of belief that Jesus is alive now, we get life. No longer fearing death because we have already died. After the "death" of our physical bodies comes life, comes Eternity with Jesus. Not everyone goes to Heaven, which is why I am on the mission I am on. To see God use me and the gifts He has given me to share His love and ultimately His Truth with those in Africa. The weight of sin can feel like falling 3 stories, like carrying around death, but by Jesus conquering death by coming back to life, weight is lifted and we gain life, we gain freedom, we gain Eternity.

A mission. Knowing that whatever happens I have life in Jesus, I'm excited to go. It's because of Jesus' death and resurrection, that I want to go. I have found truth and I want others to hear about it. And because ultimately I know where I will go when I die, fears of sickness, persecution and death lay low compared to the richness of living out my faith. In these few versus of Acts, Paul explains how "the Holy Spirit warns me..." It's no secret that other places around the world are dangerous. But God also promises to be our Protector. That doesn't mean we won't suffer, so no matter what happens I know I am in the hands of God, I'm protected whether here on Earth or in Heaven.

Paul goes on to say, "I consider my life worth nothing to me..." This life, my life, nothing. My life in Christ, lived out for Christ, is everything. And that's why I feel compelled to go, to use the breath God has given me to live out the call. The call to be a missionary in another country. Worth nothing. Monetarily, physically, however you want to put an Earthly price on it, I say zero, nada, nothing. I deserve death, and yet God has graciously given me life and therefore I live out my life with Him. "...if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me..." The task. A mission, a call, a command to go and care for orphans, to share the gospel and equip the Church to continue to do His work. Has given me. Present tense. Jeremiah 29:11 says that He has had these plans for me all my life, but just recently, currently, is God bringing these to the forefront. That's exciting. To sense, to feel, to know that God is alive and working in my life. That's amazing! "...the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." My task. To testify, to share, to witness God's grace with those who need it around the world. By caring for orphans, sharing the gospel and equipping the church of Africa, I am in fact a witness to His grace. If it weren't for Him, I could not live out what only He can do. Support to raise, training's to be done, books to be read, steps to be taken, these can't get me to the field. Only Jesus, alive and living in my heart and life can get me to the field. I rest in my Saviors arms tonight and am thankful for the beginning. I'm thankful for the hard times that are ahead, I'm thankful for the people who I will get to share His love with, I'm thankful for life in Him.


Is this true of me?


But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself. -Acts 20:24


It is easier to serve or work for God without a vision and without a call, because then you are not bothered by what He requires. But once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God asks of you will always be there to prod you on to do His will. You will no longer be able to work for Him on the basis of common sense. Never consider whether or not you are of use- you are His. (Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, March 4)