When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw Him saying to me, “Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.”
Acts 22:17-18

Paul was as bold as anyone has ever been when it came to talking about his faith in Jesus, but there were times when God clearly steered him away from certain places or people. Here Paul tells us about such a moment, early in his life of faith. The Lord appeared to him as he was praying in Jerusalem and told him, “Get out of town, quick!”

When Paul objected that these were his people, that they knew him and would surely listen to what he had to say, the reply was, “Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles." (Acts 22:21)

Paul had spent his whole life preparing to be a leader among his own people. He really had no interest in “those other people.”  But God had a plan that never would have occurred to Paul on his own.

I know that feeling. I took Latin and French in High School because I “knew” I would never be interested in going to a Spanish-speaking country, and then God sent me to serve for thirty years in Latin America. Much to my own surprise, I loved every minute of it. I go back every chance I get, and I feel more at home there than here.

Paul spent the rest of his life reaching those people in whom he thought he had no interest with the love of God, and came to love them in the process.

Listen! You don’t know what God might do with your life, surrendered to Him. Trust Him. Let Jesus be the Lord of your life. Take Him at His Word and go where he sends you. Believe me, you won’t be sorry.

Lord Jesus, You’re my Redeemer, my Savior, and my Lord. You call the shots; I will follow, gratefully. Show me the next step, and give me the courage to take it. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles