”For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish.“

‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The Apostle Paul was no stranger to the torment, pain, and persecution that awaited those who would dare associate with Jesus and his teachings. Nevertheless, Paul counted the cost and set out to start a new race, one that would change the course of the Gentile world. 

Even though Paul was a Jew, he had a more significant impact on the Gentile nations, and he traveled extensively planting churches and feeding the body of Christ with wisdom from the Holy Spirit. 

Today, two-thirds of the New Testament is written by the Apostle Paul because he counted the cost. He depended on the Holy Spirit for guidance and direction every step of the way. The Holy Spirit would reveal to him the persecutions he would face, the imprisonments, the beatings, the public humiliation, the loneliness, and even his death. With all that he faced, he kept Jesus before him, and the will of the Father to make disciples of all men.

Paul could have chosen the life of the persecutor to gain status, position, and wealth, but would have spent his eternity in torment. After counting the cost, he chose not to gamble away eternity and headed to the starting line of the call that would cost him everything. I want to encourage you today to meditate on the life of Paul and weigh the choices before you. Count the cost on both ends of the spectrum and see God move in and infuse you with strength as you chose his will!

Continue the mission that you have been sent to complete. Work your gifts God has placed in you. Don’t stop on your journey with Jesus. You may be like Paul and could choose a different path, but choose to path that will honor God and lead to eternal life with God in heaven. 

This life will bring many pains, persecutions, misunderstandings, people will walk away from you, and trials and tribulations will shake you… NEVERTHELESS…keep these words “Finish Strong” stationed firmly in your mind and stand on God’s Word through it all.

Until next time,

Keep running your race!

~Lady J