DAY 5
Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
Galatians 2:1-5 NIV
Have you ever felt like giving up? It just was too hard?
Often, we can base our faith on changing emotions and we can act out of our emotions.
We might read this verse differently:
I went in response to… my Feelings.
I went in response to… Worry.
I went in response to.. Stress.
I went in response to.. Discouragement.
I went in response to.. Hurt.
The powerful nature of this verse is that Paul went to Jerusalem in response to a revelation rather than an emotion.
When you base your decisions on a revelation it stands the test of your emotions. It compels you to step into a deeper sense of trusting God with your future.
Revelation makes you tougher, but not familiar.
Revelation allows you to become inconvenienced, but not interrupted.
Revelation empowers you in longevity, not just survival.
Revelation chooses the right way, not the easy way.
Question
Have you recently felt like giving up? If you were to separate yourself from this moment and you heard someone else describe what you are going through, what would you say to encourage them in light of todays devotional?