Daily Walk Through the New Testament
October 16
Read Acts 21:1-25

In Acts 21, it appeared that Paul would be arrested and put to death in Jerusalem. Death would not in fact come to Paul at that time, but the journey and outlook for Paul was similar to Jesus’ — a Jewish plot to accuse the righteous, a handing over of the accused to Gentiles, a prediction of his suffering. Also, as in the Garden of Gethsemane, we see a strong resolution to do the will of God regardless of the consequences. Paul said, “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13).
What courage and faithfulness Paul displayed! What is the secret?Faithfulness grows out of our faith. We move away from our sinful inclination to demand our own will, and we take on Jesus’ heart. We desire God’s will most. This is the resolution that sets us free. The key to Paul’s courage is that he had already resolved in his heart that without reservation God’s will had to be done in his life.
What about you? The essence of receiving salvation and belonging to God is surrendering your will to Him. It’s exchanging gods — Jehovah God instead of you. When we live this, we begin to realize we can trust His will just as we trust His heart.