Have you ever planned an event, where all the pieces seemed to come together then all of a sudden, the road seems to fall out from under you? Other events seem to draw people away from your efforts and plans. The best laid plans can be disrupted at a moments’ notice. We have all been there. You know, planning a family get together, music event, even a church gathering. Then we get the cancellation calls, or even worse, the no shows. When this happens we can do one of two things. We can throw our hands up in defeat, or we can take a breath, plant our feet, refocus, and rely on our faith for a better outcome.
At our current bible study, we are in the book of Philippians, written by Paul while he was in prison. In his previous life as Saul, he was a powerful Pharisee who had everything, unlimited power, wealth, and resources. His mission was to persecute and eliminate any followers of Jesus, and he was very good at it. Then God got a hold of him, as in Acts 9:3. From this point on, Saul’s plans were upset by God. Yet, instead of complaining, and giving up, he gave in. He was shown by Holy Spirit the plan that God had laid out for him. Thus, he became one of the most influential apostles that spread God’s word to the world.
In prison, and chained to a Roman guard did not stop him from spreading the Gospel. I can only imagine the contrast in life, and lifestyle that he went through. Yet, he was given a plan and a purpose from God. We are learning that he preached night and day about the humble love of Jesus. I am seeing the road block that God put in front of his life as Saul. I am also seeing how God took him, and turned the road block, into a directional change of his life journey. As powerful as he was, even Saul could not ignore God’s roadblock.
In some ways, we are not so different. We are raised in the world, scratch and claw our way in the quest for our own power, wealth, authority, and fulfilment. Then God comes along and we cannot ignore His roadblock. He knocks us off our horse just to get our attention. When we collect ourselves, open our eyes and see Him, and His plan for us, we change.
It’s then, at that moment when He has our attention, that we can all become Paul, following, and sharing the Gospel with every breath. That my friends, is just the beginning….
Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment