Acts 20:22–24: “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

April 17th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Paul knew that “chains and tribulations” awaited him in Jerusalem, but he was not moved from the path, the course, God had set for him by this knowledge. This was not because of Paul’s own strength but because of God’s continuing and steadfast blessing on his life. Knowing he was going to face hardship did not move him from the hope of the gospel or from the ministry of the word. It didn’t shake his faith or cause him to change his purpose for life. In fact, these storms and struggles brought more faith, more determination, and more depth into his already blessed and fruitful life.

Years ago someone said that to smart birds, an old-time scarecrow in a field is simply an advertisement. Instead of scaring these birds, it marks the spot for juicy and delicious fruit available for the picking. God wants us to understand this spiritual truth about fear in our own lives. We need to view our fears like that scarecrow, as though it were an invitation calling us to a rich new blessing from God. Paul’s faith enabled him to be like a defiant bird, perched on a scarecrow in the field of life. We need to realize that all our spiritual fears are baseless and are in fact opportunities for God to do great things in and through our lives.

“LORD, help us to face our groundless fears and be unmoved from Your path for us this day.”