SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 21:11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”
OBSERVATION: Paul should not have been surprised when his trip to Jerusalem ended up with him being a prisoner on his way to Rome. All along this return journey to Jerusalem he had been warned that trouble awaited his arrival. Also, when he first accepted Jesus as the Messiah, he was told that he would suffer and take the gospel to the kings of the Gentiles. (Acts 9:15-16) So, Paul moved forward in faith!
APPLICATION: Last Sunday, Pastor Steven preached on the seasons in our life. I heard the Lord speak to me that my season for bus driving was over. I started thinking that this 15th year would be my last. Because I had some driving issues during an evaluation, I am presently in a time of refresher training which due to some sickness and weather, has been postponed several times—now scheduled for next Tuesday. I cannot drive until it is completed. When I heard that I would not be able to finish it today, it came to my mind what God said Sunday. He did not say bus driving season is “coming to an end,” He said “it is over.”
When we receive notice from the Holy Spirit that change or trouble is ahead, we need not fear. We can receive it as a challenge through which God will bring us to victory. We can move forward in faith expecting God to work everything out for our good and His glory.
PRAYER: Lord, change is ahead, but I can move forward in faith that the challenges will not be bigger than you are able to handle! Amen.
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
On Facebook: Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 