God’s Hope for Your Heart from Acts 21
JESUS IS YOUR STEADFAST RESOLVE
When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” (Acts 21:12-14)
Paul knew trouble awaited him in Jerusalem. He was under no illusion that he would have an easy time ahead, but he resolved to press on because he knew Jesus was worth it.
Paul’s friends had only his best interest in mind. They were only seeing their grief and concern for their friend. It’s not that they were wrong for that; they were simply missing the bigger picture. They had their eyes on the short-term reality of personal pain, but Paul had his eyes on a higher priority. They were trying to persuade Paul away from his purpose, but he wasn’t having it.
Paul knew that in the scope of eternity, suffering matters nothing compared to the Savior. Hardship is irrelevant compared to the joy of knowing Jesus! Paul knew this and believed it and stayed faithful to his mission because of one simple truth.
When you keep your eyes on Jesus, nothing can shake your resolve.
Maybe you have hardships or struggles right now because of your walk with God. Maybe there are people opposing you externally, or worries besetting you internally.
Maybe you feel like giving up.
No matter what you face today, remember this. Jesus loves you, He’s with you, and He’s for you if you’re in Christ! Even when you feel like letting go, He is never letting go of you.
Dwell on these promises instead of your problems today, and you’ll be strengthened to stay the course, hold the line, and keep moving forward in His plan for your life. As you do these things, you’ll discover the hope found in this truth: Jesus is your steadfast resolve.
-Pastor Phillip
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