KEY TEXT: Acts 20:22-24 (KJV) – “22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
Paul was unsure of what would happen to him in Jerusalem, but the Holy Spirit told him that there was adversity ahead. Nevertheless, he was not afraid, nor was he shaken. He priced spreading the gospel to be worthy of the afflictions. Esau lost the eternal (his birthright) for the temporary (a plate of food). Paul was ready to forfeit the momentary pleasure and comfort to gain the eternal. 1 Corinthians 13:5 says love does not seek its own. Paul’s love for other people was more than his love for himself. Therefore, he was willing to go to great heights and depths to save souls.
Hebrews 11:24-25 (KJV) – “24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”
“Moses was fitted to take pre-eminence among the great of the earth, to shine in the courts of its most glorious kingdom, and to sway the scepter of its power. His intellectual greatness distinguishes him above the great men of all ages. As a historian, poet, philosopher, general of armies, and legislator, he stands without a peer. Yet with the world before him, he had the moral strength to refuse the flattering prospects of wealth and greatness and fame, “choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.”
Moses had been instructed in regard to the final rewards to be given to the humble and obedient servants of God, and worldly gain sank to its proper insignificance in comparison. The magnificent palace of Pharaoh and the monarch’s throne were held out as an inducement to Moses; but he knew that the sinful pleasures that make men forget God were in its lordly courts.
He looked beyond the gorgeous palace, beyond a monarch’s crown, to the high honors that will be bestowed on the saints of the Most High in a kingdom untainted by sin. He saw by faith an imperishable crown that the King of heaven would place on the brow of the overcomer. This faith led him to turn away from the lordly ones of earth, and join the humble, poor, despised nation that had chosen to obey God rather than to serve sin.”— Patriarchs and Prophets, 246, Ellen G. White.
Moses understood the blessings of eternity. Therefore, he chose to endure temporary suffering. He was brought up in the King’s palace but left his comfort zone when he forfeited royalty to honor and glorify God. Many have done things that are against their wishes and God’s wishes while dating because they are afraid to lose the person they are in a relationship with. Many have broken the Sabbath commandment because they are scared to lose a job. No arrow of threat thrown to you by the enemy should move you.
Job 1:8-12 (KJV) – “8 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth Thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse Thee to Thy face. 12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.”
Job was faithful to God. He served God wholeheartedly and even offered sacrifices on behalf of his children in case they sinned. God saw all this, and He was happy with Job. Satan thought that Job served God because of God’s blessings. Therefore, God allowed Satan to take everything he had but not touch his health. Satan attacked Job with harsh calamities, but Job remained faithful to God. He continued worshipping and praising God and never cursed Him even a single bit.
Job 2:3-7 (KJV) – “3 And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst Me against him, to destroy him without cause. 4 And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5 But put forth Thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse Thee to Thy face. 6 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in Thine hand; but save his life. 7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.”
The Devil was still unsatisfied with what he had done to Job and wanted to afflict him more. He believed that Job would forfeit his allegiance to God if he threatened his life. The Devil knows that most people hold their life too dear that they are willing to go to any length to save their lives. Many can spread the gospel when surrounded by believers but are afraid to tell it to unbelievers. They fear being attacked with harsh words and insults, appearing less intellectual, and even facing death. Therefore, the Word of God hasn’t reached as many souls as it should because of this fear.
Satan put a chronic illness on Job, severely threatening his life, but Job remained faithful to God. Satan is afraid of such people. It may seem challenging, but it is the most logical thing to do to cling to God even when our lives get threatened because God is the giver and the sustainer of life.
Pastor Randy Skeete says, “The United States has the most advanced military machinery in the world, but it cannot stop a suicide bomber.” One cannot stop suicide bombers because they use their lives as their greatest weapons. One cannot stop them; one cannot threaten them. We need to be steadfast like that for God. It is not easy by our might. Let us ask God to give us the faith and the courage to do so.
Mark 10:29-30 (KJV) – “29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My sake, and the gospel’s, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”
There is no pain that you have undergone while being faithful to God that will go in vain. Nothing perpetrated by the enemy should move you.
GOD BLESS YOU!
Prayer
Dear God, help me to always be steadfast in Your course. Please help me to stand firm on Your Word, not to be moved by the wiles of evil. In Jesus name, Amen.
Activity
“Stand Strong, Speak Boldly” Challenge
Choose one moment today to stand firm for Christ in a situation where it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or unpopular. It could be:
- Politely standing for truth when others mock or compromise it.
- Bringing up your faith in a conversation with someone who doesn’t believe.
- Turning down an offer or opportunity that requires disobedience to God’s Word (e.g., skipping Sabbath, engaging in gossip, dishonesty, or impurity).
Write it down: After doing it, write in your journal or phone a one-sentence summary of what you did and how it felt to be steadfast.
Example: “Today I turned down a job that required me to work during the Sabbath. It hurt, but I felt peace knowing I chose God’s will over worldly gain.”
Share this message with someone.
Author: Mark Alex
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