Then Paul answered, “What are you
doing, weeping and breaking my heart?
For I am ready not only to be bound but
even to die in Jerusalem for the name
of the Lord Jesus.” Since he would not be
persuaded, we remained silent except
to say, “The Lord’s will be done.”
Acts 21:13-14

Acts 21:1-17

Click HERE to read today's scripture or use your Bible.

Paul is heading to Jerusalem knowing that trouble lies ahead.

In Ephesus (Acts 20:18-38), Tyre (21:5-6), and Caesarea (21:8-16), Paul says his goodbyes to the disciples.

He is reminded at each stop that he will be walking into trouble (Acts 20:22-24, 21:4, 21:11).

But Paul is determined to go.

All that matters to him is that he, "may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).

Paul has discovered the freedom that comes from being devoted in heart and mind to something greater than oneself.

What are you devoted to?

If someone were to observe your life, what would they reasonably infer is most important in your life?

What changes might need to be made to show the world your devotion to the Lord Jesus not by what you say but by how you live your life?

Today, ask God to give faith to abandon your life into God’s hands. You may want to print out Charles de Faucould’s Prayer of Abandonment .

I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures— I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father.