Paul and friends have arrived safely in Jerusalem. That was Paul’s plan. You may recall Paul had many people begging him not to go to Jerusalem due to prophecies of harm to come his way. Paul is set on his mission, has listened to his own messages from the Spirit, yet knows he is where is supposed to be.
Sometimes we need to move out of our comfort zones for God’s kingdom. It’s easy to stay where it’s safe and secure. But we miss out on so much great ministry if we stay where it’s comfortable. I am learning that more and more as I grow in my relationship with God. He wants me to step into the unknown with boldness. Moving to a new country with an openness to be used by him is a great example of how we are listening to his call.
Just as people thought Paul was crazy for jumping into the frying pan, so to speak, I want to have that crazy faith. Our best growth can happen when we let ourselves be open. Are you seeking God first in places you don’t expect he’ll be?
I am reminded again that his timing is perfect. We can get caught up in trying to put limits on God, wanting him to act by this date or answer our prayer in this way. This is not how we were created. God is God, and we are not.
The church fellowship God has directed us to remembers our Jewish roots. I am delighted by this, especially as I read the Book of Acts. Jesus was a Jew, and he is who I follow. Unfortunately, not all Jews today see Jesus as their Messiah, and there is where the rub comes in. They are still waiting for their sacrificial lamb. The Jewish leaders we have in our community of faith will be great mentors as we grow a new church Biblically based, including both Christian and Jewish elements. As it should be.
Unfortunately for Paul, messages get distorted and people were putting words into his mouth. Unfortunately for us, this trend continues today. When we are thought to have said something we did not, and in most cases probably would not have said, we are left vulnerable to attack. Misunderstanding can lead to hurt feelings or much worse. We’ll see what Paul had to endure in future devotional reflections.
For now, suffice it to say we need to not only be careful in what we say to others about our faith, but we need to make sure our messages stay pure and not distorted.
Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you today refreshed in new ways as I read your word. I am even more sure that you have placed me where I am in this time and place. I am already thinking about what Book to read through next. Continue to bless this devotional as I invite new people to read. May my words also bless and return people’s hearts to you. It is my desire that the thoughts in my head shared here will bring many closer to you and perhaps even engage with you for the first time. Thank you for all the blessings you are bringing our way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
That was good, I always say I have vary strong faith but still fall back when stepping out and talking
to people.
That comfort zone is sometimes too comfortable. I follow a super bold entrepreneur who encourages me to be 10X bolder than I would otherwise. I try to apply it to all areas of my life, not just business.