We are all in a state of "Changed Plans." No one would have ever expected our lives to be as they are. Of course the Prophets were warned as in the days of old to prepare. Apostles were urging their congregations and the world that they needed to get their houses in order, purchase food, save the lost and be ready to be confined to their homes. However, few listened and even fewer heard.
Many had their own good ideas. The problem is good ideas are not always "God ideas." We see this in the life of the apostle Paul: "Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them" (Acts 16:6-7).
When we are sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit we are not taken back or surprised by the events of the day. When we are stopped in our tracks from going in one direction, or doing things one way--God can give us another way, or even make a way where there seems to be no way. the problem is--it may not be good feeling, fun or what we want.
Just as it happened with Paul, a sincere disciple of Christ, it can happen with all of us. We may want to go certain places and do certain things, expecting God to go with us. However, sometimes the pathways we choose for our lives during a particular season may not actually be the pathway of God for us. We may not like the choices others make for us. But, the Word of God tells us to abide by the laws of the land or those in authority. "Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow." (Romans 13:1-2)
Paul had a vision of a man appealing to him to come to Macedonia and help them. (Acts16:9). "Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them." (Acts16:10).
So, although Paul had had different plans, he and his company headed off to Macedonia. On the way they ministered to a group of women meeting for prayer. One of them was an influential part of the community and "she and her household were baptized" (Acts16:15).
Next, they encountered a demon-possessed slave girl and when she was delivered, her masters seized Paul and Silas and had them beaten and thrown into prison (Acts16:22).
This serves as a reminder that we have no guarantee that we will get a pass through trials and trouble. In fact, sometimes obeying the will of God will actually get us into trouble. But Gods plans are always far superior to our own.
In prison, Paul and Silas sang praises to the Lord and witnessed to the jailer, who in turn was transformed and baptized along with his entire family (Acts16:33). And just think, all this started with a man appearing to Paul when he was praying at night, saying, "Come and help us."
The power of God is always found where the Spirit leads you. But, the Spirit of God will never lead you contrary to the Word of God. God does not contradict Himself. What He says, He means. We can always obey God and those in authority, because the Word of God will not contradict itself. God is not confused. God is not wishy washy. God is hot or cold, black or white and never grey.
When God wants to do something, nothing or no one can stop Him. We can pray, but never underestimate the power of God. He can make a road through a sea, a dead man live and a donkey talk.
When we are sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit we are not taken back or surprised by the events of the day. When we are stopped in our tracks from going in one direction, or doing things one way--God can give us another way, or even make a way where there seems to be no way. the problem is--it may not be good feeling, fun or what we want.
Just as it happened with Paul, a sincere disciple of Christ, it can happen with all of us. We may want to go certain places and do certain things, expecting God to go with us. However, sometimes the pathways we choose for our lives during a particular season may not actually be the pathway of God for us. We may not like the choices others make for us. But, the Word of God tells us to abide by the laws of the land or those in authority. "Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow." (Romans 13:1-2)
Paul had a vision of a man appealing to him to come to Macedonia and help them. (Acts16:9). "Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them." (Acts16:10).
So, although Paul had had different plans, he and his company headed off to Macedonia. On the way they ministered to a group of women meeting for prayer. One of them was an influential part of the community and "she and her household were baptized" (Acts16:15).
Next, they encountered a demon-possessed slave girl and when she was delivered, her masters seized Paul and Silas and had them beaten and thrown into prison (Acts16:22).
This serves as a reminder that we have no guarantee that we will get a pass through trials and trouble. In fact, sometimes obeying the will of God will actually get us into trouble. But Gods plans are always far superior to our own.
In prison, Paul and Silas sang praises to the Lord and witnessed to the jailer, who in turn was transformed and baptized along with his entire family (Acts16:33). And just think, all this started with a man appearing to Paul when he was praying at night, saying, "Come and help us."
The power of God is always found where the Spirit leads you. But, the Spirit of God will never lead you contrary to the Word of God. God does not contradict Himself. What He says, He means. We can always obey God and those in authority, because the Word of God will not contradict itself. God is not confused. God is not wishy washy. God is hot or cold, black or white and never grey.
When God wants to do something, nothing or no one can stop Him. We can pray, but never underestimate the power of God. He can make a road through a sea, a dead man live and a donkey talk.
ACTION STEP: Just because we are quarantined does not mean the work and will of God stops. God is still speaking. There is still time to do what God would have us to do. There are still lost people who can't hear the voice of God. There are still prayers needed for the sick, the lost and the bound. You may not physically be able to go somewhere, or do something, but the Spirit of God is not quarantined. Our prayers are not bound. God is still a Way-maker, Miracle Worker, Light in the Darkness!
Today, I implore you to have the courage to say, "Lord, I do not want to live simply for my will. What would you have me do? Where do you want me to go? Let your will be done in my life. Teach me how to pray Your perfect will." Then watch God do miracles!
Be sure to (LIKE) or (SHARE), or leave a reply. Let me know you are reading. You are my only way of knowing I am not wasting my time. Perhaps, God is wanting me to go in a different direction?
Today, I implore you to have the courage to say, "Lord, I do not want to live simply for my will. What would you have me do? Where do you want me to go? Let your will be done in my life. Teach me how to pray Your perfect will." Then watch God do miracles!
Be sure to (LIKE) or (SHARE), or leave a reply. Let me know you are reading. You are my only way of knowing I am not wasting my time. Perhaps, God is wanting me to go in a different direction?
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