Christian Writers Circle

The Grace of Joy
by Judy Hitson

Acts 20:24 NKJV But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit let Paul know chains and tribulations await him, read:
Acts 20: 22-23 NKJV. These are the things Paul meant when he said none of these things move him.

Can you imagine?

Wow! Only by the power, love and sound mind of God’s Spirit can Paul or anyone else put Christ first to finish their race with joy while awaiting chains and tribulations.

This reminds me of Jesus in Hebrews 12:2 NKJV looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Joy is a choice. The question is: Will I consider it all joy when I encounter various trials? We read about this in James 1:2-3 NASB Consider it all joy my brothers and sisters when you encounter various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

If we choose joy in our trials and tribulations, we will be following in the steps of Jesus and as we read in our verse today, we will also follow in the steps of Paul.

Consider the grace of God you’ve experienced in your life. Have you thought about sharing these experiences as the gospel of grace? We often hear the gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ or of the gospel of the kingdom of God. Our verse today gives us the perspective of grace in sharing the gospel. It is the good news of Jesus Christ in our own personal lives as born again Christians led by the Holy Spirit to give glory to Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

In my personal life, God has surely extended His grace to save me from my sins and fill me with His Holy Spirit to give me life to live Christ.

Closing Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for Your grace, that is Your great love, giving Your only begotten Son Jesus Christ that we may believe in Him and have eternal life. For us who believe, I pray You grant us the power, love and sound mind of Your Spirit to choose joy in our trials realizing it is a test of our faith. Amen.