In Acts 16:1-40 it covers Paul's obedience in compassionate reassignment, boldness to share The Good News, and his mission, as he went from city to city preaching about this man named Jesus. I am very quick to send others to Paul's examples of obedience when they are struggling or pondering the "how" or the "why", but I have recognized that I myself am not as swift to remind myself of Paul's examples when I ask "how" or "why".
I see Paul's obedience as an amazing testimony of what living for Christ ought to be, as Paul urgently went wherever God was to send Him, preaching The Good News despite the backlash, judgement, or harsh words that may have been spoken towards him. He saw the greater picture that by sharing his faith and living a life of obedience he was opening doors and windows for people to curiously wonder who this Jesus is and what He is about.
Personally I fight God on a daily basis when it comes to compassionate reassignment, comfort and familiarity are all too luxurious to give up for a (in my mind at least) less than ideal situation or life style. Though this is where restoration in our trust becomes crucial, without full trust in God's goodness we miss out.
I want to share a story with you from a Youtuber that I watch often. The lovely girl who runs the channel A Far Away Distance shared a testimony recently about graciously sharing her faith in the back row of an airplane.
She was late getting checked in and she realized she was going to get a "not so great seat" on the plane but as she shared with her mom she "wasn't disappointed because she felt as though God had someone she needed to share her faith with on this flight" she gets on the plane, sits in her seat, and anxiously awaits the person who would join her. She sees a woman walking towards her and is worried because she sees that this woman wearing a Hijab and thinks to herself " This woman already has her beliefs, how can I share what I believe?" This woman ended up being her row "buddy", she ended up being the sweetest woman in the world, and they ended up having the most fruitful conversation about both of their religions and beliefs that was a gracious and kind experience for the both of them. All because this young girl (in her twenties I believe) was obedient even in a situation that she was unsure of, all because she took God's Compassionate Reassignment in this airplane, and she took it with grace and trust. (Watch her video here: Conversations on Planes about Jesus)
Obedience doesn't come easy, it is exceedingly difficult in times that are certain to bring discomfort and growth. But this is why Paul's teachings and examples are crucial to our growth as Christians, Paul preaches a life of boldness and obedience in compassionate reassignment. I wholeheartedly believe we should all spend more time digging into the life of Paul to see the way Jesus so fearlessly wants us to live as believers and bringers of The Good News.
How can you follow Paul's example of obedience and boldness? Is God Compassionately Reassigning you? Pray about it and read through Acts 16:1-40. Let's see where God is wanting to send us!
Found your blog from zoosk. I find your words to be touching. I for one lost touch with the Lord and faith. I hope to see more of your posts, they are uplifting.
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