Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.
There are many people today who live their lives in ceaseless drudgery and feel like they are “spinning their wheels”. For them, the lack of purpose makes them feel like they are running in vain, as if on a treadmill. At first, that seemed to be Paul’s fear as he called a meeting with James, Peter, and John, the “influential” men Paul spoke of here. Paul had met the risen Lord on the road to Damascus and was called to ministry to the Gentiles. It must have been comforting to know that, no matter how the meeting went, his call was secure because it was from the Lord. There was no way he had run in vain. In fact, he finished the race.
That is just as comforting to us as we walk with the Lord. If you are a follower of Christ, you have been called to him and called to minister. Now, no matter what anyone says you can or cannot do, you have not nor will you run in vain. Always remember who saved you and set you apart for the work you do. Then you will not grow discouraged by opposition and trial. You will be free to even fail for God, knowing that even that was his plan to teach you something. Take comfort in the fact that nothing you do is in vain and you are never spinning your wheels. In fact, you will…
Finish the race.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church