Sometimes You Have to Let Things Happen

Have you ever had a feeling that things were not going to turn out properly or that disaster was looming? Maybe you had these feelings the first time your child got behind the steering wheel of a car. Or, worse yet, you bit your lip when a friend was about to get married to a person of questionable character.  Sometimes you have to let things happen.

Greek Merchant Vessel

Today’s reading (Acts 21:1-6) tells us that the disciples at Tyre had that feeling about a trip Paul was taking to Jerusalem. Paul was delivering a donation to the poor Christians in Jerusalem from the Corinthians (1 Cor 16:1-4).

 

“Through the Spirit, they (disciples at Tyre) urged Paul not to go” (verse 4). The disciples knew Paul would suffer hardships in Jerusalem, and they selfishly advised him not to go.

 

Yet Paul went. He was “compelled by the Spirit” (Acts 20:22). In spite of the fact that everyone knew that Paul would have a difficult time in Jerusalem, Paul understood that this was God’s plan. Paul was on a mission and he had to let things happen so that God’s plan would be accomplished.

 

Before he left Tyre, Paul and the disciples prayed.

Believe it or not, these mere six verses of scripture contain elements of a good model for mission work.

1.       Pray: The disciples and Paul prayed.

2.       Give: The disciples in Corinth gave and Paul was delivering the gift.

3.       Go:  After prayerful preparations, Paul continued to Jerusalem.

The disciples may have been wrong in urging Paul to stay with them. Bear in mind that their love for Paul was strong and his well being was their motivation. Nonetheless Paul was compelled to go, and we know he was persecuted. Yet God accomplished great things through Paul because he went.

Paul witnessed to Jews in Jerusalem. He witnessed to two Roman governors in Judea.  He witnessed to King Herod Agrippa II. Ultimately, Paul was sent to Rome, where he witnessed to many Roman soldiers and citizens, and most likely the emperor himself.

Sometimes you have to let things happen!