Welcome to
Zion Bread of Life Christian Church

Sunday, 22nd June 2025

Rev Daniel Xi An Poon

When we clearly know God’s will, but see hardship, opposition, or loss ahead—are we still willing to go forward? Most of us won’t face imprisonment or martyrdom like Paul, but we do face choices. When God prompts us to act, fear of criticism, failure, or misunderstanding often holds us back.

Paul’s journey to Jerusalem in Acts 21 is a powerful example. Many, prompted by the Holy Spirit, urged him not to go because of the persecution awaiting him. Yet Paul’s response was unwavering: “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). This was not recklessness—it was the resolve of someone who knew God’s will and refused to shrink back.

Paul wasn’t just opposed by enemies. Those who loved and respected him—family, fellow believers, and spiritual companions—pleaded with him not to go. In Caesarea, the prophet Agabus prophesied Paul’s imprisonment, and believers including Luke begged him to stay. Their concern was sincere, their tears real. Paul’s heart was moved, yet he said, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart?” (v.13). He wasn’t being ungrateful—he was simply committed to God’s call.

Sometimes, the greatest pressure to retreat comes not from enemies, but from the good intentions of those closest to us. They see the risks, but we hear God’s command. When we choose obedience, we may be misunderstood even by those who love us most.

Acts 21 reveals that Paul was not impulsive. He had long known his calling and the dangers ahead. In Acts 20:23–24, Paul said, “The Holy Spirit warns me in every city that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me… if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.” His faith wasn’t built on favorable circumstances—it was grounded in trust in God.

Many believers wait for everything to go smoothly before obeying God. But God is looking for those who will move forward even when the cost is high. Safety is not the goal—fulfilling the mission is. If we wait for perfect conditions, we’ll never enter the land God has destined for us. And if we don’t step out, we’ll never experience His presence in the storm.

Paul’s attitude in Acts 21—willing to suffer and die for the Lord—reflects a life fully surrendered to God’s will. Suffering for Christ is not shameful—it is glorious. Yet many times, when we walk in obedience, we are misunderstood. People may twist our motives, label us as stubborn or extreme, and question our decisions. But we must remember: we are not doing it for people—we are doing it for the Lord. He sees, He knows, and He remembers every sacrifice.

To illustrate this, Rev. Daniel shared the story of missionary Jim Elliot. In 1956, Jim and four others made peaceful contact with a remote tribe, only to be speared to death shortly after. The tragedy shocked the global church. Many asked, “Was it worth it?” But Jim’s wife, Elisabeth Elliot, returned to the same tribe with her young daughter and continued preaching the gospel. Years later, many in that tribe came to faith, learning forgiveness and love, and even becoming evangelists themselves.

Jim Elliot once wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” This quote encapsulates the heart of the message: obedience to God may cost us everything, but it leads to eternal gain.

By inviting the congregation to reflect deeply. Often, we are not confused about God’s will—we are simply overwhelmed by the voices and circumstances around us. We fear failure, rejection, and loss. But the question remains: if we know God’s will, what are we afraid of?

We must face our inner struggles honestly. Are we waiting for perfect conditions before obeying? Are we letting others’ concerns override God’s call? Are we afraid of being misunderstood? These are real tensions—but they must be surrendered to God.

Today’s message was a call to courageous faith. To live not by sight, but by trust. To obey not because it’s easy, but because it’s right. And to remember that the Lord honors every step taken in obedience, even when the world does not understand.