Acts 26
"But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you [Paul] for this purpose, to appoint you as a helper/assistant (ὑπηρέτης) and witness (μάρτυς) to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, as I deliver you from your people and from the nations—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn (ἐπιστρέφω) from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who have been sanctified/set apart (ἁγιάζω, perf. pass.) by faith that is into me (πίστει τῇ εἰς ἐμέ)." - Acts 26:16-18
Paul is speaking before King Agrippa and recounting how he went from being a huge enemy of Jesus and his followers to becoming Jesus' biggest fan and advocate. Jesus has a distinct mission for Paul, and Paul has been faithful to that mission.
Does your life need direction? Do you want to have a clear call from God how you should spend your life? Me, too. I feel our present ministry is coming to a close, but I don't know exactly what our family's next step is. I want a clear call from the Lord Jesus at this stage in my life. I'm in my mid-forties and have, say, perhaps 30-35 years of ministry ahead of me. How should I spend those years to make the most impact for our Lord? Perhaps many of us are asking a similar question. Let's seek the Lord in prayer on this.
Father, I am searching, and I know others are searching as well. Give us a clear call so that we can make an impact for you. Advance your agenda through us, and empower us to be faithful as you did the apostle Paul. Please give us a clear call and a strong faith to follow through on your heavenly vision (v. 19). In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman