Putting Ourselves Aside

Based on Acts 21-23

As we discussed previously, Paul wasn't afraid to be bold, especially when it meant defending Jesus & His Kingdom's cause! No matter what situation Paul was in, he used it as an opportunity to share his testimony & share Jesus with them...even if it meant witnessing in bonds! One incredibly bold instance is shared in this reading:

"And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people. And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people." Acts 21:37‭-‬39.

Paul was arrested. He was being taken up the stairs of the castle in Jerusalem with the chief captain. Even then he was thinking of winning the souls of the lost instead of his own unfortunate situation! This reminds me of the most selfless act of all:

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." Luke 23:34.

Jesus did this very same thing! Even on the cross, He asked for the forgiveness of those around Him. He has a love for us so deep that death itself couldn't break Him away from us! He rose again! Paul modelled this same behavior in thinking of the lost souls, rather than the possible loss of his own life. The question is, how quick are we to put ourselves aside??

As Moms, we probably think, no-brainer! We never get time for ourselves! But did you know that we need to be on the lookout for moments with God? It's true, we don't have time for many things which bring us joy, but we should definitely strive to make time with God first before enjoying that YouTube video at the end of the night when the kids FINALLY go to sleep lol...

God's Word doesn't just bring joy, but peace & contentment as you enter into the next day. It will help you in your daily interactions with your kids. It will help you in your quest to bring others to Jesus, like Paul. We need to put ourselves aside for Jesus to have the life we truly want.

"Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." Acts 21:13.