Do it with joy
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. ~ Acts 20:24
What is your life worth to you? In today’s culture, there is a strong focus on self-worth and self-care. Much of society believes in entitlement, expecting every advantage and comfort life can offer. Many people live to get what is “rightfully mine” and prioritize themselves above all else. A servant mindset has become rare, and most people in the world are determined not to let anyone take advantage of them.
The Apostle Paul had a completely different perspective on his value. He did not live to protect himself from trouble or stay comfortable. His life was full of hardships, long journeys, and persecution, but he remained focused on completing his mission and fulfilling the assignment God had given him. In this passage, Paul knew that danger and suffering awaited him, yet he was unmoved. His life’s worth was not found in safety or comfort but in finishing his race with joy and sharing the message of salvation that God entrusted to him.
When I think about Paul’s determination, I am reminded of a time when God called me to keep moving forward even when it was uncomfortable. It was a time when I wanted to stop or take an easier path, but I could feel the Lord reminding me that joy comes from following His plan, not convenience. Learning to serve Him and others with joy, even when circumstances were challenging, changed my perspective on what it truly means to live for His purpose.
This passage challenges me to value the mission of God above personal comfort and to pursue His purpose above supernatural phenomenon. I may not have started my mission like the apostle Paul by getting knocked off a horse, but I can start where I am today. My purpose begins with faithfulness. Faithfulness in everyday life. It begins with being honest, consistent, kind to others and devoted to God’s call, caring more about bringing others to Him than protecting my own rights and comforts.
Faithfulness starts with meeting with God daily. Making time for Him is the first step toward living a purposeful life. It also means changing from a self-centered mindset to a God-centered one, which happens through a renewed mind and heart. When I give God first place in every area of my life, such as faith, family, finances, fitness, and even fun, life begins to take on eternal meaning. Trials will still come, but they will not move me from the path God has set me on. As I make His plan my priority and purpose for living, joy becomes the strength that carries me through every challenge.
Here are some ways to get started:
- Begin each morning with prayer and ask God to show you how to serve Him with joy that day.
- Spend time in Scripture daily to renew your mind and strengthen your faith.
- Ask God to help you put His priorities first in your schedule and decisions.
- Find one way each day to help or encourage someone else.
- Keep a thankful heart and choose joy, even when circumstances are difficult.
- Write down how you see God working in your life and celebrate every victory, no matter how small.
Today I want to encourage you to live your life with joy and purpose. Your value is not found in comfort or control but in fulfilling the mission God has placed before you. Give Him your time, your plans, and your priorities. Make His agenda your highest priority and pursuit. As you serve Him with a thankful heart, joy will rise within you. It will strengthen you through trials and remind you that your life matters most when it points others to Jesus. Finishing your race with joy is not about perfection, it is about following His plan, gratitude, and a heart willing to keep saying yes to God’s direction.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 20:17-24
17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.
18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,
19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;
20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,
21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,
23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.
24 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.
Journal:
- What part of my life am I holding too tightly that keeps me from fully trusting God’s plan?
- How can I choose to serve God with joy in my current season?
- What steps can I take this week to put His priorities above my own comfort?
The Daily Dose 