Day 7: Do Not Be Moved

What’s the worst thing that could happen if you shared your faith?

Here in America, we have amazing religious freedoms that many people around the world don’t have. We do not experience the same level of persecution that other Christians face. And yet, people around the world who do face true persecution, who could face death for preaching the name of Jesus do so boldly and without shame. 

As we established yesterday, the apostle Paul was beaten and put in jail multiple times for sharing the gospel. Like many men and women in different countries today, Paul (and the other apostles and Christians in the early Church) had valid reason to be fearful of sharing the gospel. They could have decided to quit, to just make their faith personal and private and secret, to not tell anyone about Jesus. It was after all, the safer alternative. But they didn’t! Instead, look at what Paul tells us in Acts 20:24: “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.”

Regardless of the circumstances and situations we find ourselves in, we must all seek to have the same mindset that Paul has here. He had such a passion for Christ that he was willing to give his life if it meant the gospel was spread. 

Even if we get rejected, talked down to, ignored, beaten, or threatened, none of that should move us from sharing the gospel and testifying to Christ. Just like Captain America never backed down in the face of fear or persecution, instead saying, “I can do this all day,” we can stand tall, stand strong, and stand firm in the power of God, in the boldness of God, and in the Spirit of God and say, “I am not ashamed of the gospel,” “I will not be afraid,” “I will testify to the gospel of the grace of God” as we remember that the very same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead now lives in us (Romans 8:11). 

We hope that throughout this devotion, you have seen and come to understand the power and importance of the gospel. Now, it is your turn! Spread the love of Jesus and listen as best you can to the voice of the Holy Spirit moving throughout your every day.