Today’s Scripture: Acts 11:17 ESV: If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?”
I recall the arrogance of my youth when I told God that He must prove Himself to me before I could be all-in for Him. Twenty-some-odd years later I was broken by alcoholism and willing to cry out to a God I did not completely believe in, but I desperately needed. For the last eighteen years, I have tried to express to others how God proves Himself.
We must put away our understanding and trust God. The Book of Acts is full of stories of how illogical it is to follow God. In Acts 7:5 Stephen reminded the Sanhedrin, who did not understand his teachings about the Christ, that God had promised Abraham that he and his descendants would one day possess a new land and he did not even have a child yet. Was that logical since Abraham and Sarah were ninety-nine and ninety years old when they were told this?
Stephen pointed out that although these religious leaders had received the law and experienced angels, they still rejected God because of the stubbornness of their understanding. Out of their anger and mob mentality they laid their garments at the feet of a man named Saul and stoned Stephen to death. Acts 7:59 tells us that “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
We must give up our human spirits and our understanding to get our hearts right with God. In Acts 8:29-31 the Holy Spirit told Philip to go near the chariot of an Ethiopian who was reading the Book of Isaiah. “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” Philip told him the good news of Jesus, who Isaiah was prophesying. As they went along the road the eunuch asked what would prevent him from being baptized. Philip did not stand in the way, and he baptized him that day.
In Acts 9 we read of Saul’s blinding experience on the road to Damascus. Three days later the Lord came to Saul and Ananias in separate visions. Against their own understandings and fears Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit. Saul became Paul and more powerful by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. Even if Saul and Ananias had failed to be faithful, I am sure God would have found someone else.
In Acts 10 Cornelius had a vision to send men to bring Peter to his house. While these men were on their way Peter, he had a vision that was repeated to him three times because it was against his understanding. Acts 10:17 tells us that “While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate.” (NIV)
Acts 10:19-20 “While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” (NIV) Cornelius, the men, and Simon Peter were faithful. The result was that the Gospel of Jesus was now available to everyone who believes in Him.
In Acts 10:47 Peter said “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” (NIV) God coordinated all these events then and He is still coordinating events in our lives today.
I confess to God that I do not understand but that I do believe. I am giving up the spirit of my flesh LORD to receive Your Spirit. We are not called to understand but to be faithful.
Will you stand in God’s way?
Today’s Prayer: Father God, thank you for giving us the gift of Your Holy Spirit. In Your Spirit we find Your Way. Help us to live faithfully and not stand in Your way. Amen.
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