It Starts Small

In today’s scripture we find something is brewing in the heart of Paul.

¹⁶ For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, for the day of Pentecost.

Acts 20:16

Why was Paul in such a hurry?

Honestly we do not know why, except that he was compelled by the Spirit.

And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, compelled by the Spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there,

Acts 20:22

Paul was in a hurry and he knew something not good was gong to happen. He was given a warning:

except that in every town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions are waiting for me.

Acts 20:23

But something about Paul, he was stubborn. Really stubborn. A HOLY kind of stubborn. Listen to what he says:

But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.

Acts 20:24
(Bold for emphasis)

Paul’s single-minded goal was to complete the task the Lord Jesus had given to him. He had a holy defiance about him. Friends, God is not asking for your time, talent, or money. He is asking for all of you. Yes, just you.

Remember the time when you committed your life to Christ?

Remember your desire to serve him?

Remember how much you aspired to live a life of service and true meaning?

Perhaps it is time to renew your act of worship again and get in your heart some holy stubbornness and defiance.

This was also the same time period that Paul, the Apostle of Holy Stubbornness wrote the letter to the Romans. I wonder if Paul was reflecting on parts of his journey as he wrote:

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.

Romans 12:1

Living Sacrifice.

This means that you give yourself to God and keep nothing back for yourself.

I do not know what God’s assignment is for your life and the assignment does not really matter. What matters most is that from here on out, you live life with a new mindset. As Paul told the Corinthians:

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

This single-mindedness is what God is nurturing in each of us before we reach the “new normal.” This is the only way we can even worship in the Kingdom of a “new normal.”

Thoughts to Ponder:

• On a scale of 0 to 100, what percentage are you “all in?”
• What keeps you from full reaching 100% wholeheartedly committing to God?

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.