Functioning In A Sphere Of Divine Design

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

What things can you think of that just might be worth dying for? Your family. Perhaps a few close friends. Your country. What about a group of people you’ve never met?

In effect, that’s what Paul told the Ephesian elders. He was prepared to die in order to take the gospel to those who hadn’t heard.

What’s more, he didn’t call such sacrifice a burden; he called it a joy. Let Oswald Chambers probe the basis of Paul’s unusual joy.

WALK WITH OSWALD CHAMBERS
“Joy means thefulfillment of that for which I was created and saved.

“The joy of our Lord came in doing what the Father sent him to do. And now he says: ‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’ (John 20:21).

“Have I received a ministry from the Lord?

“If so, I have to be loyal to it, to count my life precious only for the fulfilling of that ministry.

“Think of the satisfaction it will be to hear Jesus say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ (Matthew 25:21); to know that you have done what he sent you to do.

“We all have to find our niche in life, and spiritually we find it when we receive our ministry from the Lord.

“In order to do this we must be in close fellowship with Jesus; we must know him as personal Savior—and more.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
Like a ship out of water or a train off the tracks, you’ll find that you don’t function well outside the sphere of God’s will for your life.

That is by design—his design! A design that promises joy as the by-product of walking in his will.

Joy in serving Jesus.

There’s no better way to know you have done what he sent you to do!