Unflinching Faith
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Acts 21:1-26 and Psalm 31:1-24 (NIV)
(Chuck Chan, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
For this devotion, I have focused on Acts 21:1-16.
OBSERVE:
In Acts 21:1-16, some disciples were trying to dissuade Paul from going to Jerusalem, after having received prompting from the Holy Spirit that he would face impending danger in that city (v4, 12). But Paul was ready to be imprisoned and even die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus (v.13).
APPLY:
Paul did not blindly choose to ‘suffer’ and be a martyr for Christ. In Acts 9:23-25, he chose to flee when the Jews plotted to kill him in Damascus (cf 2 Cor 11:32,33).
Believers in Christ sometimes face difficult choices and decisions. Even in today’s reading, the disciples meant well when they showed concern for Paul’s safety and well-being. But as the Holy Spirit had revealed, Paul knew full well that it was the Lord’s will for him to go up to Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit was preparing Paul for what was going to happen to him, not to tell him not to go. I believe Paul’s resolve in going to Jerusalem was so unflinching because he knew intimately what the Holy Spirit had revealed to him through the disciples and the prophet Agabus.
DO:
Having been a facilitator for the Alpha Course for many years, one of the topics on “How does God guide us?” lists out five ‘CSs’:
- Commanding Scripture
- Compelling Spirit
- Counsel of the Saints
- Common Sense
- Circumstantial Signs
The five CSs help to guide me when I face life’s crossroads. They are the spiritual guides to align and help me discern the promptings from the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on today’s passage, I am reminded to submit to God and trust that He has the best interest for me.
PRAY:
Father God, I confess that more often than not, I choose the easy way out. Forgive me, Father. Impress on my heart what it means to be obedient and to submit myself willingly to Your will. Give me the strength and perseverance to stay the course when the journey is rough, and to trust that Your presence, comfort and assurance are sufficient. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
