Acts 20-22

November 21

Acts 20-22

"“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me." (Acts 20:22-23, NIV)

 

Paul had no doubt that the Holy Spirit was leading him to Jerusalem. He also knew that going to Jerusalem would not be easy. He knew he would face prison and hardships. Most people make decisions based on the path of least resistance. We do not usually knowingly put ourselves in path of persecution. But Paul did not listen to human wisdom, he walked in obedience to the Holy Spirit. Paul knew going to Jerusalem could cost him his life, but he did not worry about living or dying, Paul’s greatest concern was to walk in obedience to Jesus.

 

We each have a choice to make. We can follow the leading of the Holy Spirit or we can travel the path of least resistance. God does not promise us that following His lead will be easy. He does not promise that we will not face persecution. He does not even promise we will not die. But we can know that if we finish the race, if we persevere in the faith, if we follow God, He will walk with us and empower us to remain faithful. And perhaps when we leave this world we will hear the words; “well done my good and faithful servant.” The eternal rewards of obeying the Holy Spirit far outweigh any rewards we may receive on earth going our own way.