Day 17: Yes or No?
Let's think about the evangelist Philip who was part of a successful ministry among the Samaritans and was confronted by the angel of the Lord in Acts 8:26. “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Go south to the road – the desert road – that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.'” It was time for a new assignment! Philip got up and went and found himself being introduced to ONE man, the Ethiopian Eunuch, a high court official of Candace, the queen of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian was reading Isaiah and invited Philip to sit with him. From here, Philip began with the passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus; the Eunuch understood the word and was baptised as soon as they came to water as they travelled. Church fathers as early as AD 180 mention the Eunuch evangelising his homeland!
Then there's Paul. He wanted to minister in the province of Asia and Bithynia – but the Spirit said "No." It is unclear how the Spirit said “no”, but it is likely to have been a direct revelation. It was clearly the intention of God to extend the gospel further into the regions of Greece than would have been done if they had remained in Asia Minor. This prohibition was the means of the first introduction of the gospel into Europe.
Have you ever heard a clear “no” when you've asked God to go in a specific direction, then later, see why? By the grace of God, we go!
Paul and his group obeyed and went down to Troas, and during the night, Paul had the vision to go to Macedonia instead (Europe). So much fruit was born from listening to his redirection. Both Philip and Paul were obedient to the direction of the Spirit, born from taking time to listen in prayer.
These stories remind me of a similar story, our story, also involving Philip an evangelist, in a thriving ministry in the UK. Phil had dreamed of Canada for decades, knowing the Lord would use us all significantly there. Meanwhile, I didn’t want to hear about Canada as I was loving my job, where I lived, my friends, my family. But then one November evening in 2009, as I prayed, the Holy Spirit spoke clearly to me: “It's time for Canada.” And I knew, without a doubt, that this was God's kingdom purpose and said “yes”! We moved six months later and have been in Kelowna for twelve and a half years, still saying “yes” to God's call in Canada.
I hope these examples of direction today encourage you to listen specifically for direction from the Holy Spirit; He wants to guide your steps.
“This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'” (Jeremiah 6:16)
Lord, thank you for guiding and directing us when we live a listening life. Your word says, “since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Help us to live by the Spirit for your glory. Amen.
Reflect and Respond
Prayer Focus
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
