The following was reportedly written years ago by a young Pastor in Africa. It was found tacked to the wall of his home after he was martyred. I read this for the first time in 1982 after I had given my life to the Lord. I have read it many times since that time and it has always encouraged me to move ahead, regardless of the circumstances.

I’m a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am lifted by prayer, and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach all I know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me…my banner will be clear.

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