Would you want to know everything that will happen to you before it occurs? If you knew, good or bad, would you still want to go down that path? I’m not sure I would.
Paul has just left the Ephesians and is on his way to Jerusalem to meet with the church leaders. He has several people warn him about the danger that is ahead. Paul hears; but chooses to go anyway. He is set on going to Jerusalem. His gaze is still focused on the mission God has laid out for him.
I think we all like to be in control of every aspect of our lives. This is one reason I am grateful we do not know what tomorrow will bring us. Everything can change in a single day and if we knew the outcome before it occurred, we would try to change it. Living each day by faith is more important. This means we are trusting in God to provide what we need and trusting in His grace instead of trying to do everything ourselves as if there was no God.
Paul knows there is danger around every corner and every town he enters. He also knows the presence of God is already there and working. He has learned how to trust in the Living Jesus Christ for his everything and is determined not to allow anyone to take that joy away from him.
I am sure, because it is human nature, Paul did not forget about the warnings he was given; but he did keep turning them around so he could see how Jesus Christ would be glorified. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “capture every thought and make it obedient to Christ.” Paul is choosing not to live in fear. He is choosing to live in faith because he knows that the promises of God’s grace are more important and powerful than anything.
Paul does believe the people about what will happen to him when he gets to Jerusalem; but he is not outwardly concerned. This is how he is able to demonstrate living in faith and the victory of Jesus.
When you step out each day, just trust in the power and presence of God to give you the grace and strength for what’s ahead. Instead of worrying about what will happen at a future date, we can be thankful the Jesus is already there.
The road ahead of us has many different situations we will go through. Every one of them gives us an opportunity to worship and glorify Jesus Christ in everything we do. How will you look at what you have to do today? Will you take the opportunity to trust in Jesus Christ to lead and guide you along the way?
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