Letting God Be Your Guide

Have you ever felt a strong calling to do something, only to face resistance from those around you? The story of the Apostle Paul's journey to Jerusalem offers profound insights into what it means to surrender to God's will, even when it goes against human wisdom and desires.

As we explore this narrative, we're transported to the early days of Christianity, where we find Paul determined to reach Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost. His urgency wasn't just about attending a feast; it was about delivering a monetary gift collected from Gentile churches to the believers in Jerusalem. This act of generosity was more than financial aid - it was a bridge between two worlds, a tangible symbol of unity in the early church.

But Paul's journey wasn't just about the destination. Along the way, we see beautiful moments of fellowship and farewell. In Tyre, a touching scene unfolds: entire families, including women and children, accompany Paul to the beach. They kneel together in prayer, a poignant reminder of the deep bonds formed in faith communities. It's a scene that tugs at the heartstrings, highlighting the difficulty of goodbyes, especially when the future is uncertain.

As Paul continues his journey, he encounters various warnings about the dangers awaiting him in Jerusalem. In Caesarea, a prophet named Agabus delivers a dramatic object lesson.
Using Paul's own belt, he binds his hands and feet, prophesying that this is how Paul will be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles. It's a stark, visual representation of the challenges ahead.

This prophecy sparks intense reactions. Paul's companions and the local believers plead with him not to go to Jerusalem. Their concern is palpable, their tears genuine. They love Paul and want to protect him from harm. It's a natural, human response to want to shield those we care about from danger.

But Paul's response is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart?" he asks. His words reveal the internal struggle - the pain of seeing his friends suffer on his behalf, yet the unwavering conviction that he must follow God's leading.

This moment echoes a profound truth about the nature of faith and obedience. Paul declares, "I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." His words remind us of his earlier statement in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."

Paul's attitude reflects a complete surrender to God's will, reminiscent of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. When faced with the impending crucifixion, Jesus prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Both Jesus and Paul demonstrate that true surrender often involves embracing a path that may lead through suffering.

This concept of surrender is further illustrated by the story of John G. Patton, a 19th-century missionary who felt called to serve on Pacific islands known for cannibalism. Despite opposition and warnings, Patton famously declared that it made no difference to him whether he was eaten by cannibals or worms - what mattered was serving and honoring the Lord Jesus. His words echo Paul's sentiment, emphasizing that the fear of death or suffering should not deter us from following God's call.

These accounts challenge us to examine our own lives. Have we truly surrendered our will to Christ? Are we willing to go where He leads, even if the path seems daunting or doesn't align with our personal desires?

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 12:1-2, urges believers to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." This sacrifice isn't about physical death but about living fully for God. It's about allowing our minds to be transformed, learning to discern God's will, and embracing it wholeheartedly.

Following Jesus is indeed costly. It may mean facing opposition, leaving comfort zones, or even risking personal safety. But we must ask ourselves: isn't the cost of not following Jesus even greater? The joy, purpose, and eternal perspective gained through obedience to God far outweigh any temporary discomfort or sacrifice.

As we reflect on these stories of faith and surrender, let's consider our own lives. Are there areas where we're resisting God's leading out of fear or comfort? Are we allowing the well-meaning concerns of others to deter us from what we know God is calling us to do?

Remember, true worship isn't just about singing songs or attending church services. It's about offering our entire lives to God, being willing to write a "blank check" and letting Him fill in the amount, as Francis Chan puts it. It's about saying, like Paul and countless others throughout history, "Your will be done, Lord, not mine."

This journey of surrender isn't easy. It often involves internal struggles and external opposition. But it's in these moments of surrender that we often experience God's presence and power most profoundly. It's where we find our true purpose and where our faith grows deepest roots.

So today, let's challenge ourselves to listen closely for God's voice. Let's be willing to step out in faith, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. And let's remember that in surrendering our will to God, we're not losing ourselves - we're finding our truest, most fulfilled selves in Him.

May we, like Paul, be able to say with conviction, "The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). In this surrender, may we discover the awesome power and love of the God we serve.