Determined to Win

Friday 12 August
READ: II Cor. 11: 23 - 33
MORE LESSON: Acts 28: 30 - 31

Paul's call included to witness the gospel of Christ before kings and rulers (Acts 9: 15). Despite much suffering and persecution, he went on to fulfil his mandate. The enemy tried all he could to stop him but he refused to be stopped. Many times he was whipped, stoned, left to die and imprisoned, however this man continued. He would be brought in bond before rulers for trial but he would use that opportunity to fulfil his call and preach to them. He testified in chains to both Jews and Gentiles and their kings.
A lot of things were determined to stop Paul from fulfilling his mandate but he also was determined to realise his call. There was a time when more than forty men bound themselves with an oath that they would not eat again till they have killed Paul. In other words, they made a vow that it was either they kill Paul or they die of self-starvation. However, God didn't hand His servant over to the plans of the enemies; Paul survived. I wonder what happened to his enemies; if they kept their oath not to eat, that meant starvation till death, and if they ate, the result of breaking a covenant is still death. So Paul survived and his enemies all died.
The highest ruler in the Roman Empire was Caesar and Paul appealed to go to Rome so that he could testify before Caesar. Through many tribulations, toils and snares, he was eventually on his way as a prisoner to Rome for the testimony of
Jesus. In Acts 27: 17 – 43, a furious storm arose in the sea and threatened the life of everyone on the ship. They all gave up and didn't eat for fourteen days as they resigned to the looming death, but Paul refused to die. He called upon God and the Angel of the Lord came and stood by him. It was because of Paul that every life on that ship, including the lives of his captors, was spared. Paul was determined to get to where he was going. Even after they survived the life threatening storm on the sea and escaped to land, the first thing that greeted Paul was a venomous snake bite (Acts 28: 3). This servant of God refused to die until he fulfilled God's mandate upon his life. He got to Rome and preached the gospel.
Vision is frustrated and life truncated without a determination to win. You need to make a decision that come what may, by the strength of God, you will continue till you arrive. Whatever threatens your vision and batters you, do not give up. Keep pressing on with a determination to arrive at your divine destination. Whatever storms, enemies, attacks or situations confront you, refuse to die till you win. You will arrive safely in Jesus’ name.

PRAYER/ACTION
* In the name of Jesus, I am a winner irrespective of challenges.
* I shall not be stopped, I shall achieve my purpose, in Jesus’ name.
* My light shall not be extinguished in destiny, in Jesus’ name

TODAY'S PROPHETIC PRAYER
2016, I shall not be barren of good things, in the name of Jesus.