Acts 20:13-24 NKJV

[13] Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. [14] And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. [15] We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day, we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day, we came to Miletus. [16] For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost. [17] From Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. [18] And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, [19] serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; [20] how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, [21] testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. [22] And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, [23] except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. [24] 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.

If you asked most parents if they would sacrifice their life for that of their child, the vast majority of answers would be a resounding "yes!" As a husband and a father, I would do it without hesitation... without question. There is no threat of harm or death that is greater than my love for my family.

If the same question was posed regarding faith, the percentage of "yeses" would be far less common. For most believers, faith is just as important as family, but it isn't as tangible. Faith doesn't seem to possess the same level of personal, intimate connection as the presence of a loved one. Faith is real, but it isn't "with us" right now. It's just one of the many lies sold to us by the enemy.

Paul's level of commitment to faith was exemplary of someone who understood just how personal the Holy Spirit is. The presence of God isn't meant to be studied in a book or learned about on Sunday morning. The Bible is a composition of love letters and instructions from the Father. The Holy Spirit dwells within us to provide us with that real personal connection with the Lord. Paul knew it so well he was willing to lay his life down for it.