February 25, Can’t Stop Now
Today’s Journey Through Acts excerpt is:
Can’t Stop Now
As we saw in chapter twenty-three, nothing materialized of the plot to murder Paul during the prisoner transport. Just as the Lord had promised him, Paul was still on his way to his final destination: Rome. One of the assurances that we have as believers is that ultimately God establishes and keeps His plan. Isaiah reminds us in Isaiah 14:27:
"For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?"
When Paul arrived in Caesarea, details started to unfold about the reasons that Paul was there. As this appeal moved farther up the chain of command, it became obvious that there was no real supporting evidence of an actual crime. Since his conversion, those who were once his peers were indignant over the authority and power with which Paul spoke. The actual problem that plagued Paul was his inability to sit and remain silent about the goodness of Jesus.
The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah shared this sentiment. After a period of discouraging ministry, Jeremiah decided that he was finished with his calling. After a short time, here's what happened in Jeremiah 20:9:
"If I say, 'I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,' there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot."
One thing seems consistent: those who lead powerful lives that impact the world are the ones who are not satisfied to allow opportunities to pass by untaken. This is true in every area of life, whether it be personal relationships, our church ministries, or even in our homes. If we are going to see the fullness of God evident in our lives, then we need the Holy Spirit to fill us with a holy dissatisfaction of idleness in the pursuit of our callings. Paul was not willing for an opportunity to pass him by. May our burden for those around us grow strong enough that we are also not willing for our opportunities to pass. If you have a sense that God has called you to take a step of obedience, don't procrastinate that step of faith. It's no coincidence that the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians five is promised to those who are actively walking in the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 tells us:
"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
Keep walking; it will be worth the effort.
Reflect on the journey: Have you taken for granted the urgency of the calling of Jesus? Are there areas of your life that you have become lackadaisical in? Submit those to God today.
Through your prayer time today: Ask God to empower you to be a bold witness according to Acts 1:8. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you sensitive to opportunities to make the goodness of Jesus unavoidable to the people around you.
