“In Between Normals”: A 30 Day Devotion on the Book of ActsSample

Where Do We Go from Here?

After two years of house arrest, Paul was finally vindicated by Caesar and set free. He then went on to bring the Gospel to Spain as he had planned some time ago. (Romans 15:24)

I Press On...

Meanwhile, Paul the Apostle of the Holy Stubbornness (Day 22) remained stubborn. After decades of ministry, his ministry philosophy remained the same. “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." (Philippians 3:13)

At this point, Paul would be in his mid/late-50s. Even at this “old age,” Paul still says, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (3:14) You may retire from your job but you will never retire from your calling.

I Pass On...

At the same time, Paul was very intentional in creating opportunities for young leaders. In one of those trips, Paul left Titus in Crete and Timothy in Ephesus. He was training them to be leaders!

Titus and Timothy were, however, very different. The young Titus had proven himself when he negotiated a reconciliation between Paul and the Corinthians. He was certainly a leader material.

Timothy, however, was young and timid. There was a real possibility that people would look down upon him. (1 Timothy 4:12) However, despite all the "weaknesses," Paul chose to take a chance on him! Because of Paul, history will forever remember these young leaders as the first Bishops of Crete and Ephesus!

I Move On...

On a personal level, and this is the most amazing part, Paul’s heart for God remained true all through his life! This was his life motto. “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”. (Acts 20:24)

At the end of his life, Paul was put in prison again. Just before he died, he wrote Timothy one last time. He said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

What a statement! There were no regrets in Paul’s life! I want that too. My friend, how about you?

Reflection:

How would you like to describe your life when it is your turn to leave this world? What kind of legacy would you like to leave behind?