The Feast of St. Matthias, Monday, February 25, 2013

Morning Psalm: 80 | Evening Psalm: 33
1 Samuel 16:1-15 | 1 John 2:18-25 |Acts 20:17-35

Life’s Goals

In my early twenties I had many vocational goals. My dreams were wide and exciting. Thoughts of making money, travel, and positions of influence would occupy my time, and I began to seek out those possibilities. At the same time, my parents continually encouraged me to seek God’s direction in what vocation I should choose. I had been a Christ follower since childhood. As I began to seek God’s direction, He took me through an amazing time of Bible study and prayer. These sessions often lasted long into the night. On one occasion a verse impacted me like no other. “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). During this time of seeking God, I became aware of God’s call on my life to full-time ministry.

God used the Apostle Paul’s testimony to the Ephesian elders to change the course of my life. Paul’s calling “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” was what motivated him to endure hardship, persecution, and the impending suffering he knew was ahead of him in Jerusalem. His life’s goal was not riches or comfort; he was driven to fulfill that for which God had called him.

This year marks thirty years of ordained ministry for me. My goal over these years is to say with Paul, “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus…”

Father in heaven, thank you for calling me, for entrusting me with Your precious gospel! Forgive me for the times when I value my own comfort more than Your calling. Empower me to selflessly walk in Your ways. May my life be singularly focused on obediently proclaiming Your good news—for Your honor and glory. In the Name of Jesus Christ my Savior. Amen.

The Rev. Bradley R. Sickler (DMin Student)
Senior Pastor, Gospel Alliance Church
Belle Vernon, PA