I like the story of Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40) because two things are very evident in this story. First, we see the evidence of how God will lead us in very specific ways when he has a purpose he wants to accomplish through us. And if we walk in obedience grounded in faith, we can be certain that we will be used for his purpose.
In Acts 8:26, we read that an angel of the Lord told Philip to go south on a very specific road. He didn't tell Philip why he was to go or exactly where he was going, he just said go. And Philip did what I wish I always did. He didn't ask questions, he wasn't concerned about the particulars - didn't need to know where he would end up or why God was sending him. We read that his response was "So he started out".
Philip started out walking in total faith that God would lead him to where he needed to be - that he would accomplish his purpose for him. We often get so caught up in needing the know the destination, in focusing on the goal, that we forget the beauty and relationship that comes from participating in a God-lead journey that requires total trust as he reveals his purpose step-by-step. The faith the builds along the way, the deeper relationship with God that walking in trust develops, are so much better than the destination. Trusting God along a journey like this might be the hardest thing you will ever do - but God will take you - in your faith and in your work to the purpose he has for you. God did that for Philip - and he'll do it for you.
Which leads me to the second point that is important for us to know, which is when we are chasing after God, he will put the people into our lives who will go with us on the journey. God knew there was an Ethiopian who needed someone to explain God's word to him - and he put someone in his path. I can name people he's put into my life to speak specific things to me, or books that had words that would show me a truth I needed to know, or a sermon that pierced me to the very core. All of these came as God moved people to certain places at certain times, or laid something on their heart that they felt moved to write about, or gave them specific words to speak as they taught. He did all of these because, like the Ethiopian, he loves me and so greatly desires that relationship with me that he will go to any length to lead me to the truth. He loves you the same.
Be blessed my friends - take the next step - God is leading.
"I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me." - Psalm 57:2
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
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