PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 21:1-16
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“We gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’” (Acts 21:14)
When we speak about ‘the Lord’s will’, we need to be clear what we mean.
We can speak of God’s creation will, what God ultimately desires for all.
God does not desire suffering, sickness, hardship, injustice, pain or death.
God created us for life and for goodness, for ‘shalom’ and fullness of life.
But we can also speak of God’s redemptive will, God’s intent for restoring the kingdom.
We turned this ‘very good’ creation into a dominion of darkness.
To work with and for us in this world, God needs to work with our mess.
God accommodates and directs our sin and its consequences to make things right.
In this sense, it was God’s will that Jesus suffered and died, that we might be saved.
God does not want us to suffer, but may need to allow it for a greater purpose.
Paul knew that no matter what happened, the Lord would be glorified.
“What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12)
“Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20)
Can I surrender whatever happens to me to the Lord’s will and good purpose?
PRAYER
Lord, I do not want to suffer, but I do want to surrender to your will. I choose to trust that your good purpose will happen through whatever happens today.
This reminds me of how Jesus was resolute to go to Jerusalem – he wasn’t go to be derailed from the mission that God had for Him. It seems that Paul knew He too had to go – it wasn’t just stubbornness on his part but a strong sense of perseverance – that God had a mission for him to accomplish – that he through that would end up going to Rome – to bear witness there. I’ve had to avoid going to some places – it seems the HS stopped me – the lesson for me it to listen to the HS leading – often though I find we need more of the other – a sense of mission that directs us to go places we would rather not. Even now – the excuse can be – it’s someone else’s work not mine anymore. That doesn’t cut it – I/we need to be ready and willing to go – we have a mission as believers to share the hope we have in Jesus!
Spirit driven.
Paul’s friend meant it all for good but Paul felt that he had to go. And then the friends no longer stepped in his way. Then they accompanied him, being encouragers by their company. They became stepping stones rather than a stumbling block for Paul even though there would be trials unknown. Have thine own way Lord.
Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being
absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit
till all shall see
Christ only, always,
living in me!