Bible Reading: Psalm 94, 95 & 96; Romans 15:17-33
“Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I build upon another man’s foundation” Romans 15:20 (KJV)
It takes the grace of God to take the gospel to the world, yet our input is needed to make it a reality. Whenever His Will needed to be done God gives the prepared vessel the grace or heaven’s ability to do it successfully but with the input or agreement of such vessels.
The people of Nineveh wouldn’t have repented if somebody was not sent there. Jonah at first refused to go to the city until he was chastised by the LORD. His change of heart and input eventually got the people saved (Jonah 1-4). God already wants them saved, but He needed a human to partner with him on this. Isn’t that awesome, that the creator of heaven and earth wants to partner with you to do His Will?
Paul was also chosen by the LORD to take the gospel to the gentile nations. Several times God confirmed to him through His Spirit and His angels that He was with him, yet Paul had to willingly put himself on the line of duty. He laboured to get the task done. He fasted, prayed, and suffered so many things, even though he has God by his side. No wonder he said, “I strived to preach the gospel.”
How far can you go for God? Jonah did it at the risk of losing his life. Jesus died while on it. So did Stepehn and Paul. They gave their all to make the gospel a reality to the world. What can you give for the gospel? What can you give or do in your neighbourhood to see souls saved? Remember, God wants to partner with you for the kingdom work.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu