The Toughest Part is Getting Started

"Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Go south to the road -- the desert road -- that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.' So he started out..." Acts 8:26-27a

Phillip had this really big ministry going on in Samaria. He had started it; run into some difficulties; and solved those problems with the support of Peter and John (the big guns from the Jerusalem church). Now it was flourishing -- people were hearing, believing and being baptized. It was growing and it was perfect.

Have you ever felt that way before? A new job, project, or ministry was tough at first but with a little help and a lot of hard work -- it was now successfully sailing along (almost on auto-pilot). Then God says "Go to _________." For me, this is the most challenging part of my Christian walk -- leaving behind the familiar and getting started in a new direction. I have a tendency to say, "Wait Lord; isn't what I'm doing good? I'm just now beginning to make a big impact. Can't I stay here for a while longer and enjoy the fruit of my labor?" The Lord's answer (from verse 26), "Go south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza."

At this point we all have a choice to make -- pretend we don't hear the Lord and do what we've been doing; or change direction. Verse 27 tells us what Phillip did, "So he started out..." Phillip conquered his doubts and trusted God. I think that's why being a Christian is so often referred to as a "path," "journey," "road," and so on. It's also why it is so rewarding, interesting, exciting and frustrating -- we are not in control, yet God is able to use our unique talents and abilities in ways we could never imagine. The key is getting started. How do we get started? By taking the first step -- it's the way to begin anything -- stop thinking about all the pros and cons and get moving. An act of obedience in faith is the cornerstone to a joyful and fulfilling life in Christ.

Questions to Ponder:

Over the years, what have been some of your "acts of obedience"? Have you ever chosen to not obey? What was the outcome? What about when you overcame your doubt and you started in a new direction -- what was the outcome? Is God giving you a new direction today? Will you take the first step?

Source: Daily Devotionals
The Pocket Testament League
http://www.pocketpower.org/
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