February 6, 2014

Acts 13:  ⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

It has been quite a ride.  The disciples have preached, they have run into the authorities who try to stop them, and Paul has even made one guy blind.  They have made quite an impression on the local population, but the authorities are ready to go after them.  Just as Jesus told them to do, they shake the dust of this place off their feet and move.  In so doing, they are happy and fulfilled.

It would have been easy to become discouraged.  They have done all they could, they have relied on God's power to do even more amazing things, and yet, they are blocked by those in power once again.  No amount of reason, no citing of the prophecies of the past, no miracles-- nothing moves these people!  You could start to doubt, you could second-guess your mission, you could lay down and give up.  But NO!  the disciples move ahead, ready to fulfill their destinies by following the Holy Spirit into a joyful life to come.  I wish I was more like that.

Prayer:  Lord, guide me to move ahead with joy even when I feel like I am not getting through to people.  Let me always remember that You are the way, the truth, and the life. The criticisms of others should not drag me down as long as I know I am following Your path for me.  Help me to always keep sight of the ultimate plan You have for my life.
Amen