Acts 21:13-15
New International Version (NIV)
Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. ”When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
After this, we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.
Mission work can be dangerous if you're not ready. Paul's word indicate he is ready, even ready to die if necessary. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21). As for us, at the very least, we will be called to 'die to self'.
There is preparation to be done prior to any mission endeavor. It doesn't matter if you are traveling overseas, working in a homeless shelter, or helping feed hungry children; there is an element of preparation in order to be ready.
I know it is unwise to tackle any situation which Satan does not want improved without being 'prayed up.' We need to be on guard against the enemy who prowls the earth. We must put on the full armor of God every day in order to stand against the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Those flaming arrows can take on the shape of illness, injury, fear and pain. Any of these arrows can stop us in our tracks and can make us ineffective. Paul was ready, he was prayed up and all set to face the enemy head on.
Our desire to please God must overshadow our desire to avoid hardship and suffering. When we really want to do God's will, we must accept all that comes with it—even the pain. Then we can say with Paul's companions, "The Lord's will be done."
After this, we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.
There is preparation to be done prior to any mission endeavor. It doesn't matter if you are traveling overseas, working in a homeless shelter, or helping feed hungry children; there is an element of preparation in order to be ready.
I know it is unwise to tackle any situation which Satan does not want improved without being 'prayed up.' We need to be on guard against the enemy who prowls the earth. We must put on the full armor of God every day in order to stand against the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Those flaming arrows can take on the shape of illness, injury, fear and pain. Any of these arrows can stop us in our tracks and can make us ineffective. Paul was ready, he was prayed up and all set to face the enemy head on.
Our desire to please God must overshadow our desire to avoid hardship and suffering. When we really want to do God's will, we must accept all that comes with it—even the pain. Then we can say with Paul's companions, "The Lord's will be done."
Acts 21:7-16
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