What’s Your “I Must?” (Part 2)
“And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:22-24
God gives each of us an “I must.” A passion and a deep desire to see something accomplished on this earth. It could be feeding the hungry, helping the sick, fighting injustice, or preaching the gospel. In Numbers 22:38, Balaam said, “The word of God was put in my mouth, that I must speak.” Jeremiah said it's like a fire shut up in my bones. He wanted to quit, but his “I must” wouldn't let him. At one point, Jesus said, “I must go to Samaria.” The disciples started arguing, “Why are we going over there? We don't have any business doing that. We don't mix with those people. They're not our kind of people. We're Jews. They're Samaritans. We don't want to have anything to do with them.” But Jesus had an “I must” that made Him go to places where other people wouldn't go. Why? Because He had a soul on His radar. He knew He had to reach the woman at the well who had been married five times and was living with number six. Jesus had an assignment to win that woman into God’s kingdom. He knew by reaching her, He would reach a whole city.
In Acts 21, the Apostle Paul was warned by a prophet not to go to Jerusalem. As an illustration, the prophet tied himself up and said, “Don’t go there, Paul. They're going to bind you up and torture you.” But Paul said, “I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And verse 14 says, “When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’”
Jesus prayed until his sweat became drops of blood. Why? Because there's a difference between an “I want to” and an “I must.” Jesus was wrestling in the garden with what He wanted to do with His life versus what He knew the Father said He must do. But God gave Jesus the strength and courage to overcome His own desires, and He was able to accomplish the greatest feat known to mankind.
What's your “I must?” You've got one. It may be delayed and dormant within you, but it’s still there. What special treasure or talent do you have on the inside? Are you being driven and moved by an “I must,” or are you just about your own business? Be focused on the Father's business. Imagine a whole generation of God’s people obsessed with doing His will. Their determination and faith would move mountains and win cities.
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