Why Did I Leave?

“But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, ‘Arise and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.’  (This is a desert road.)  And he arose and went; and behold there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship.  And he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.  “And the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and join this chariot.’  -- And Philip opened his mouth and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.” Acts 8:26

“In the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles and leaders of the early church were not committed to a strategy, but to Christ.  Any strategy that derived from the Lord was good, but their commitment was to Him.  [Here] Philip is being marvellously used of God in preaching to the huge crowds that gathered in Samaria, when he received instructions to leave and go to a desert road!  No one lives on the desert road!  He is being taken away from an opportunity for large scale evangelism! -- Philip was committed to Jesus Christ, not just to evangelism.  Had he ‘dedicated’ himself to being a great evangelist he would not have left Samaria.”*

I was in Buffalo, New York.  The Billy Graham Crusade had drawn thousands and thousands -- so many made a personal commitment to Christ!  I’d prepared to serve in two previous Crusades and both times moved just before they took place.  But finally, for this one it was my time to serve in focused prayer for those who’d come forward, sang in the choir, was trained as a counsellor, did follow-up, held Bible study classes for the new believers in my home and was considering going on staff. 

It was my Christian dream come true and then someone asked me to go to Australia!  I couldn’t believe it and went to the Lord asking Him for His guidance.  He drew me to this passage and I knew I had to go.  What if I had chosen to stay in Buffalo? 

Following Him is more important that using our common sense or doing what seems logical or productive or “successful”...no strategy is more important that acknowledging His Lordship over all!

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY? Please send updates! For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  For Kent & his family.  His mom has passed away.

The phone meeting about a new project for me has led to a meeting this Friday.  Help me keep focused on His will.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For all of us as we move out into this New Year, that we would have the heart of the Lord in all that we do.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:   Adrian is preparing for a new treatment and is sounding stronger than he has in a year.  For Deepak, who’s home now, his father seems better.  For Linda and Ian and the wisdom they have so generously shared.  Tim B finally having relief from his massive headaches.  Hans, is enjoying his new-found fellowship and new job (first full-time role since 2004).  For J&S, special friends, as they begin to manage some normal life for the first time in years.  Still need a permanent place to live.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R doing well through complicated health challenges.  For Jon C, as he meets life after a stroke.  Paul NS.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help, especially with no health insurance -needs a disability pension.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression.

For Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer during the day so Audley can go out and work.  For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones.

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara’s (sister-in-law) is eager to find new work since her project ended.  For Tim, my amazing brother, that he might find satisfying work that he’s able to do.  

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!  

Isaiac dealing with the aftermath of super-typhoon Pablo in the Philippines.  Pray for healing of hearts in Connecticut grieving after the mass shooting of the 20 four-six year olds and six adults.  For those affected Government decision makers and volunteers still working on the aftermath of super storm Sandy.

Comfort those who loved Deb , especially Vern, as they deal with her loss.  Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans. 

For Tarrega, as his hearts settles and strengthens.  For Linda, that the Lord will show her which doors to open next after she rests a bit.  For Rob as the Lord works in a new way in his life...protect his health.  For Jodie as she deals with the knife edge of corporate politics.  Laura S as she reaches out for answers, that she finds the Truth. 

Pray for PJ.  For Annette as she begins some new career adventures.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.

For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart.  Adam who’s becoming involved with a cult that’s filling many unmet needs.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows (for Donna as she encourages him).  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.  Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mismanagement.

 

 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price