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
The Lord has given each one of us a mission to fulfill while we are on the earth. He has enabled us to accomplish that mission through the power of His Holy Spirit and He has given us the resources to be able to make a difference. He is now calling us to spend ourselves for the fulfillment of that mission.
Paul knew the task God had given him—“the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” His only focus in life was giving the Gospel to those who did not know Christ, and he did not stop until he died. God has called us to follow Him in pursuit of the lost, broken, and hurting. He commands us to preach good news to the poor and has called us each to different expressions of that mission. God is encouraging us to “finish the race and complete the task.”
Forest Witcraft once said, “One hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, how big my house was, or what kind of car I drove. But the world may be a little better, because I was important in the life of a child.” There will come a time when we stand before the Lord and the only thing of importance on that day will be how we used the gifts God had given us. May we be able to stand before the Lord and, like Paul, come to the end of our lives having finished the race and completed the task the Lord granted us. May our lives have been spent generously and fully on behalf of others and in spreading God’s grace. May we enter into eternity and hear our Father say, “well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
Research/Activity: Go!
Today’s the day! Prepare to volunteer or make your donation. Like we said on Saturday, it’s okay if your day to do this isn’t exactly today or tomorrow. In the time you’re waiting, pray for wisdom, guidance, and compassion as you do your part to help meet the needs of others. Pray with gratitude for the role God has allowed you to play in His greater plan.
As you close out this week, reflect back on your mindset before you began the challenge, while you were doing it, and how you feel now. What’s changed? What have you learned? Above all, what do you now think it means to step into compassion and how can you take what you’ve done this week forward into your daily life? God will bless you as you continue forward doing your best to step outside your comfort zone and live for the people around you, and, ultimately, for Him.