“Delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” – Acts 26:17-18
Paul knew his mission and knew why it mattered. This helped him persevere through seemingly endless hardship, opposition, and persecution. He engaged in a lifetime of nonstop work and travel. He endured abuse, multiple arrests, brutal physical punishments, imprisonment, attempts to silence him and even efforts to kill him. He knew that what was at stake in proclaiming the truth of Christ was the opening of eyes, the embrace of light, the freedom from Satan’s power, the forgiveness of sins, and holiness that comes only by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Because the stakes were so high, he was willing to make any sacrifice needed to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.
Guess what? The stakes haven’t changed in 2000 years! Neither has the mission! Paul’s mission then is our mission today. That includes you! Every follower of Jesus has this same mission of deliverance: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
Who in your life needs to know Jesus Christ? Who in your life still has eyes held shut by the deceptions of the world? Who in your life needs to turn from the darkness of sin to the glorious light of Jesus Christ? Who in your life is still struggling on the power of Satan and needs to embrace the love, forgiveness, and fellowship of the God Who made them? Who in your life lacks forgiveness and struggles with their past history, mistakes, guilt, and shame? You are sent!