Testifying to the Good News of God's Grace

I have been completely refreshed and encouraged by my recent personal study through the book of Acts in the Bible.

• I was reminded anew of God's amazing sovereignty over people and events.  It truly is amazing to read about how God moved people to be in certain places at certain times to have providential meetings with others so that the Gospel can be shared and God can be glorified in and through it. There truly is no such thing as a chance meeting, for all meetings are orchestrated by God!  
• It was encouraging to see that God rescued His saints when He felt it was necessary, but He also allowed them to face various and often difficult trials as well.  In the end, it was all for the furtherance of the Gospel.  Many times, it was the persecutions and hard times in which the Gospel went forth in a greater way.
• I also thoroughly enjoyed reading about the places Paul traveled throughout the region which is now Turkey, knowing that I probably walked on the same soil on which Paul walked so long ago.

The blessings of Acts helped to renew my fervor in keeping the faith, continuing the race, and keeping my eyes on the finish line of life.

I was struck anew by Paul's view of his purpose in life and His fervor to do what God had called him to do no matter what difficulties he faced until the Lord was finished with him:  

"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 NIV~

This verse has become a new life verse for me as I remember that no matter what struggles and difficulties I face in life, all I need to do is complete the task that God has given me: 

Testify to the good news of God's grace!

If I can do that until God calls me home, then I have been successful and nothing else truly matters.  

Taken from Facebook.com/Zondervan