Many years ago, Paul, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ was arrested and put on trial for preaching the gospel of Jesus and turning many to the faith. The Jews were actually moved by envy. Apostle Paul was then put on trial before Agrippa, and he put up a defense.
Paul testimony in Acts 26, must encourage us to be faithful to the heavenly vision. He narrated to King Agrippa the incidents that led to his conversion, and why the Jews seek to kill him. He was emphatic that he, Paul, had been faithful to the calling through the thick and the thin. So many things had happened that could have caused him to change the cause of his life, but he remained faithful to the call.
Acts 26:19-23 KJV — Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: [20] but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
[21] For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. [22] Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: [23] that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
I have learnt that a man with a divine calling does not give up on his dreams. He may adjust goals and plans; adapt to changing circumstances; and change partners and even change paths if need be, but will remain loyal to the calling.
The man called to serve God must not give up in the face of trials and affliction; he may;
- Retreat
- Strategise
- Refuel and Re-launch
Remember, the gifting and the callings of God are without repentance. There are things only you can do, the way you do it. I pray that anything that is trying to steal you away from your will calling will lose its power over you. May you never turn your back to the call. May you remain faithful to the calling on your life. Many are called but few are chosen; may you be part of the few that are chosen.
Do not allow anything to steal your focus and sap your energy, build resilience and advance. God counted you faithful before putting you in this ministry. You have a calling to serve God by serving humanity. You are the Lord’s agent and you will win. May you never turn your back to the plough! This is the time to be faithful to the calling! Keep fighting the good fight of faith.
Stay blessed
Today’s Prayer
Let us pray that God will help us to be faithful even in the face of great trials and afflictions. May you never lose your desire and conviction to do more with Jesus! May your one true desire be to honour the allegiance you pledged to the Lord!
Amen
