S. Acts 21:12-14 (NIV) 12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
O. People tried to keep Paul from going to Jerusalem mainly because of a prophecy of Agabus that Paul would be bound up- taken as a prisoner. However, Paul would not give up. He knew his calling and he knew it would bring hardship and persecution. However, Paul would persist and continue to move forward.
A. The Christian life and call to ministry is not always a straight and up the right path. It is often full of twists and turns and difficulty that helps to form us as we move to be like Jesus. Like Paul, if we are sure of our calling we can and must forge ahead to allow the Lord to mold us and make us even more in His image.
P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you Jesus for teaching us that pathway to following you is not always a straight and clear path. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me one step at a time as I desire to be more like you. In Jesus’ name.
