Interesting. E__ from CG just sent me this devotional
from Pastor Albert. 5 years ago, I probably wouldn’t
have been friends with the people from my CG. But today,
God used one of them to encourage me. It would not have been possible without the
journeys that He has brought all of us on, and yes, all of journeys have involved suffering and unanswered prayers as well as answered prayers:
Day 09: Don't Waste your Waiting
Reading:
Acts 8
What does it look like when you are thrown into a situation you
don't expect and don't like?
Meet Philip!
Well, you met Philip before. He was one of the seven men chosen
to help the widows in Acts 6.
Philip was a Greek-speaking Jew. He was probably born and raised
"overseas," far enough from Jerusalem that he spoke Greek well.
Philip was both godly and competent. The Bible describes him as
"full of the Spirit and wisdom." (6:3) People like him have a unique
"competitive edge". He could be pretty successful in this society.
However, out of no fault of his own, he was thrown into chaos. A
mega-persecution broke out in Jerusalem where he lived and worked. Just
overnight, he was forced to leave! He was "scattered". (8:1) Jobless
and homeless.
Philip could justifiably file his complaint!
"God, I lived my life properly and I served you and the
poor well. Why do you treat me like this?"
1. Every moment is a sacred moment
No! Philip didn't complain. He knew that every moment is a
sacred moment, even the moments that we don't like. God can use any moment to
achieve His purpose.
The circumstance that we want to pray away so badly is probably
the exact circumstance that God wants to use to shape us.
It is only under the most extreme heat that you can mould the
most precious metal. Used properly, heat is your friend.
So, what did Philip do?
2. Do the Next Right Thing
(Remember the sermon Pastor Eric preached a few weeks ago?)
Philip fled Jerusalem, travelled North to Samaria. He had no
idea what was going to happen next, but he focused on doing the next right
thing he knew. He kept doing his ministry, healed the sick, drove out evil
spirits, and even brought a sorcerer to Christ!
He didn't wait for things to "get back to normal"
again.
Then, while he was doing a good job in Samaria, God suddenly
interrupted his life again. Philip travelled down south, where he met an
Ethiopian eunuch!
Ladies and Gentlemen! This is the beginning point of
Christianity in Ethiopia!
Who would imagine that this can happen while you are "in
between normals"?
My friend, you will never know what the next right thing will
lead you! Be faithful!
3. Don't Waste your Waiting
Over the years I have learned an important spiritual principle.
Regardless of where God is putting you right now, He has
something for you to do, and something for you to learn. God always wants you to contribute in some
areas, and grow in other areas.
Don't waste your waiting. Be faithful. Learn the things that God
wants you to learn, and finish the assignments that God has given you. This is
how you get ready for the "new normal" to come.
Don't focus on what you like or don't like, it's irrelevant.
Those "don't like" are probably more important than you would like to
admit.
Reflection:
As you reflect on God's guidance in your life, where do you
think God is asking you to contribute? And What do you think God is asking you
to learn?
Prayer for Today:
Dear God,
I find it hard to stay in this confusing time of "in
between normals." But I acknowledge that you have a plan for me. I will
learn to be patient. God, I open my heart to your guidance. Please help me
discern where you want me to serve, and also where I need to grow. I want to
become the person you want me to be, so that I will be ready for the "new
normal" when the right time comes.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
