Am I a sold out?

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.~Acts 20:24

Am I sold out for the Lord?  Do I, like Paul, have as my only aim to complete the tasks that God has assigned to me?  I know that I want to finish the race because without a doubt I want to see Jesus.  But, is does my desire to finish go beyond my desires and towards the desire to do whatever He asks no matter the cost?  Do I truly consider my life worth nothing if I am not fulfilling  the will and purposes of my Father?

Acts 20:16-23 tells us that Paul’s aim was to get to Jerusalem.  He has already faced all sorts of dangers and the Spirit is warning him that he is going to face more hardships and prison.  Yet, Paul forged ahead.  He doesn’t allow the hardships to become an obstacle in the race, but rather hurdles it in faith.

I find Paul’s faith to be quite remarkable.  I am not Paul, but the same God that lives in Him lives in me and God is the object of our faith.  Therefore, I too can have the mindset that says not my will, but Yours Lord.  Just like my big brother Jesus and my brother Paul because it is not by might that I will do anything, but only by His Spirit.

So if I go back to the beginning and ask myself am I sold out for the Lord?  I would answer honestly and say that I am still learning how to jump hurdles. I’m still learning how to put the needs of others before myself.  I am still learning how to press my way through on those hard days when all I want to do is snap at people, but God directs me to do speak in love.  I am still learning to give generously and joyfully without worrying if I will have enough to meet my needs and remembering that God Ets then all.  Sometimes in my race, I run right up to the huddle prepared to jump, but all I do is stop.  I have to back up sometimes and try again.  But thankfully, My Father knows me and He knows me well.  

He is gracious and because of His great love for me some things He has not yet asked me to “put on sale yet”.  He knows that I am learning and growing in Him. I have not had to face harder challenges just yet. I have not had to risk my life for the cause of spreading the gospel as some of my brothers and sisters have and do around the world.  I am not persecuted for sharing the love of God.  Sure, I may get an odd look or too, but I am thrown into a prison.  It keeps me humble. These great examples of faith prick my heart and renew my mind as they remind that I just don’t want to finish the race, I want to run it well for my King. He is the prize and the reason.  

Lord, keep my feet straight on your path. Help me to run until the end with You as my sole purpose.  Let me throw away anything that hinders me abs whatever You ask me to give up for You May I do it with joy.  Lord, I can’t run this race without You and I am grateful to know that I don’t have too.  May I glorify You today.  In Jesus name. Amen