KEEP BACK NOTHING
Acts 20:17-28.
Apostle Paul is the one speaking here unto the elders of the church in the Ephesian region. He gave an amazing account of his mission work to the church leaders. His report was about service. He did not announce how many houses he built or how many vehicles he purchased. His account was about trials past (and even ahead). His sense of fulfilment was not in physical acquisitions but that he did his job or ministry wholesomely. Hear him;
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, and have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house. . . (vs 20) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God (vs 27).
His major concern was to do the work of God. His work was to minister to the people of God. He did it wholeheartedly. He did not keep anything back. Mention it: Prayers; witnessing, teaching, counsel, house to house visitation and evangelical work? He was there for the people of God.
And it was not a bed of roses. He was not doing ministry in comfort. No. He did it “with many tears and temptations which befell (him) by the lying-in wait of the Jews”, (vs 19). He was troubled, persecuted, arrested, jailed and what else. He did not give up on his assignment because of its attendant sufferings. No complaints wither. He just kept on keeping on. Doing his assignment with satisfaction. And he was fulfilled.
What is that assignment that God gave you? Are you doing it? Are there obstacles on the way? Don’t stop. Let the obstacles be your stepping stones. Keep on. The Lord never promised us a bed of roses. He said “these things I have spoken unto you, and that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” John 16:33. The peace we have is in Jesus not the world. The world has only tribulation to give. But we have assurances that we will overcome for us.
Our lessons from Apostle Paul include resilience, discipline, focus and sense of fulfillment that comes with accomplishing purpose. If we can emulate this, it will be great gain.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to keep on doing your work without giving up no matter the opposition.
