Your Purpose Is Greater Than Your StrugglesSample

Reign, Rule & Dominate!

So many believers tolerate strife, lack, depression, fear, sickness, and terrible circumstances; however, that stops today. Today, we are focusing on nine different things we can learn from the Great Apostle Paul in Acts 20:17-24. Hopefully they will inspire you to Reign, Rule, & Dominate in the area of your purpose. 

Acts 20:17-24

17 From Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. 

(God will call you or tell you about your purpose the same way the Apostle Paul called for the elders to tell them about his.)

18-a and when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, 18-b in what manner I always lived among you.” 

(You still must come to God about your purpose, so you can hear what He has to say. In the same way as how the Elders came to Apostle Paul to hear what he had to say to them.)

(Always live the same way while you’re following your God-ordained purpose.)

19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews.

(Always serve the Lord with all humility, through your tears, through your temptations, and the plots of others while you’re following your God-ordained purpose.)

20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house.

(Always try to teach someone the lessons you learned from your failures while you’re following your God-ordained purpose.)

21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Always testify to everyone while you’re following your God-ordained purpose, not just to the ones you think will receive the Gospel.)

22 And see; now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there 

(Realize that for your safety, God won’t reveal some things to you while you’re following your God-ordained purpose.)

23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 

(Don’t let this shock you, but chains and tribulation await you while you’re following your God-ordained purpose.)

24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 

(Don’t allow anything to move you from following your God-ordained purpose.)

Success through God’s eyes is different from the world’s point of view. Through God’s eyes, you being faithful to your God-ordained purpose despite adversities, struggles, issues, or combat is one of the things that could be counted as a success. Some are called to serve in the limelight, while others are called to serve in the shadows. 

Knowing this, how high would you strive for something if you knew you couldn’t fail?

We hope this Plan encouraged you. Click here to learn more about Author Michael L.  Williams Jr.