In Acts 8 26-40 there’s a story. This story is of Philip and an Ethiopian man. You’ve probably heard of it before. Philip gets sent out by God, in a way that doesn’t make sense, to minster to one man in the middle of nowhere. This man was reading in the book of Isaiah when he met Philip. This man has some questions. He had questions about the book, and Philip had been able to answer them. Now imagine, what if Philip hadn’t listened to what God told him to do? What would the consequences have been? We can’t know for certain, but that story definitely would’ve ended differently.
What’s something we can learn about God’s character in this story? Well, I learned that God sends us places even when it doesn’t make sense to us, because His plan is better. He sends us places we might not nessarily want to go, Philip was leaving a revival, but we’re going to be so happy we listened to God when he sends us out. His plan is bigger and better than we could have ever imagined. We also see God’s faithfulness to answer our questions, even if they might not be answeree in a way we suspect.
What’s something we can learn about People from this story? I learned that people are curious. We are searching for God, we are searching for answers. Our souls long for God, and sometimes we try and fill that longing with things that aren’t God. That radical obedience is not only possible, but the best desion we could make. I learned that we are tools God uses to reach the lost. That if we are willing to be uncomfortable, than we will see great fruit from God.
The final question I have for you is one you must answer yourself. How does God want you to take this story and practically apply it to your life today? That could look like anything from pick your Bible up and find those answers you’re searching for, to going out and sharing the gospel with someone. I know that God told me to write this blog for you guys, so what does he want you to do? Sit, be still, and listen. Be flexible, and interruptible, with whatever God has for you today.
Every choice brings about a decision. Will that decision be of the world or of eternity. You are right. One act makes a difference. We never know how much it will change us and those around us. I’m currently trying to focus on the path God wants me on.
Abeni – Great blog, great insight. “Sit, be still, and listen. Be flexible, and interruptible, with whatever God has for you today.” I struggle with this, and I’m not alone. In our culture, we are constantly looking for ways to do more in shorter periods of time. Find the latest “time hack”, “efficiency improvement”, or “multitasking tool”. We don’t often encourage ourselves or others to “just be” still, flexible, interruptible, and called by God. What an important skill and message. Thank you