9. A Growing Movement - Acts 20:13-38 - Run Your Race

My family just watched the movie, “The Princess Bride,” recently. (It was the first time Christina had seen it… can you believe that?) There is a scene in which Westley and Buttercup approach the Fire Swamp. Despite rumors of no one ever surviving the forest due to random bursts of flame, hidden quicksand and R.O.U.S.’s (look it up), Westley neared it confidently. His state of mind remains unfazed as each obstacle comes, and he cares for Buttercup through every trial, talking casually while the forest throws its best challenges to ensnare them. I imagine this mentality in Paul as he receives insight from the Holy Spirit that there is trouble awaiting him ahead. Why does he keep going when this is revealed to him? Because the larger gospel mission to which he has been called bears much more importance. He even states that he doesn’t even value his own life that much, saying, “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Do you see that Paul’s perception of his value in life that propels him forward comes from the purpose God gave him? Some of us are pursuing things that we think have value but will leave us empty. Is growing your business something that you think will increase your value? It won’t. Is getting yourself navigated into the right social circles what you value? Let me tell you, it isn’t worth much. There are so many other things that we are pursuing, but the only thing of worth is this: accomplishing the purpose for which God put you on earth. When we discover that God-given purpose, then we can walk through life’s flames and hidden quicksand with a confidence that is out of this world — because it truly is from out of this world. As Paul encourages the church leaders in this passage, he confidently states that his conscience is clear because he did not withhold teaching about anything; he had taught them the whole counsel of God and has no regrets about running his race well. Let’s live with purpose and on purpose, completing the task(s) to which God has individually called us so we can state with confidence that our conscience is clear before God. That is finishing the course well. For Scripture, notes, upcoming events, & more: http://bible.com/events/49387571