Summertime StoriesSample

Acts 21:13-15 

13 But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.”

14 When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” 

15 After this we packed our things and left for Jerusalem.

When I asked Jesus into my heart, I declared that I would go anywhere for Him (hoping for Africa, Europe, or the Pacific Northwest) but I never anticipated Louisiana. After I requested a transfer to another city, my teaching certification program insisted this was the best location for my concentration. God really had a plan for me in Baton Rouge, but at the time, I chose to obey reluctantly instead of enthusiastically.

After a decade in Louisiana, I was married to an amazing husband, owned a wonderful home, and raising two beautiful daughters. This time, serving God looked like staying when all of our family and several friends were leaving. Against all my earthly desires to travel, God called me to stay and grow where I was planted. This decision was so hard for me, but He reminded me of His faithfulness in the past and plan for our future— if only I would trust and obey. 

 In this story, Paul knew what was ahead. People were prophesying hardship, persecution, and prison in Jerusalem, and begging him not to go, but he boldly proclaimed his obedience to God’s call, regardless of the cost. After hearing his conviction to serve the Lord to the point of death, the people submitted to let “the Lord’s will be done,” packed their things, and headed to Jerusalem with him. 

 Christ never promised us that following Him would be easy or without sacrifice. In fact, He even made the same statement to the Father as He approached the cross, saying, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Luke 22:42) As His followers, we pick up our own cross and follow Him wherever He calls us and to whatever He calls us. This call may be going or staying, success or struggle, but we trust the One who goes before us and hold onto His promises that, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” (Matt 16:25) And, “that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.” (Luke 18:29-30)

What sacrifice is God asking you to make today so that others may know Jesus?