Day #11

DIF Web AdminPrayer & Fasting 2025

Paul’s friends were distraught. The Holy Spirit had made clear to them that Paul’s journey to Jerusalem would mean his arrest (Acts 21:4, 11).

They begged him not to go. Paul’s reply, “…I am ready…” could just as correctly be translated “I am readily ready.”

There is no stoic resignation here, but a willingness (even eagerness) to lay down his life that Jesus would be known and glorified.

What was Paul thinking? Maybe he was thinking about…

  • His own rescue from rage and hatred to a minister of reconciliation. Before being renamed Paul, Saul of Tarsus was a cruel man (see Acts 7:59-8:3 and 9:1,2). Paul knew that only the power of God could transform his heart and mind. After meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, he lived his life to tell everyone, everywhere that the forgiveness, power, and purposes of God were available to them as well. Paul experienced knowledge that Jesus is everything.
  • Jesus’ words in Mark’s Gospel: “If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it. (Mark 8:34-35, HCSB)
  • Jesus’ own choice to suffer on the cross. Paul’s words to the Corinthians were more than just a powerful thought—they were his reality in life: “He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, HCSB) The great love of his great Savior compelled Paul to give everything for His glory.
  • The certainty of eternal life in the presence of Jesus, compared to the brevity of this earthly life. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, HCSB)

We have the opportunity to “choose chains” every day—decisions to serve, to put ourselves last, to lay down our lives for the good of others—all for the sake of Jesus.

To begrudgingly give our time, talents, strength, or financial resources just because it is what “we should do” is a bitter pill to swallow.

To release those gifts in the Name of Jesus, asking Him to supernaturally infuse them with His goodness, and power—trusting Him to accomplish His eternal purposes—that is indeed something altogether beautiful.

“To choose to suffer [for its own sake] means that there is something wrong; to choose God’s will even if it means suffering is a very different thing.”

Oswald Chambers [emphasis added]

Scripture Reading

Acts 21:13 [NIV]

Reflection Prompts

Do I count it a privilege to suffer for the name of Jesus?

What sacrifices have I made (or can I make) that I can joyfully embrace as “chosen chains”?