October 13, 2011 You'll Know

You’ll Know
Read Acts 20 – 21

Acts 20:22-24 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

WOW. The Apostle Paul displays his complete willingness to go where the Lord calls him to do the Lord’s work. Aware of impending imprisonment and other hardships, he stays steadily committed to God’s work.
Completing the work God gave him to do is a goal that extends beyond the preservation of life. This is based on Jesus discipleship requirement to “take up your cross and follow me.”
Can any of us reach that level of obedience? We can when we listen to the Holy Spirit. He is calling us, too, just as he did Paul in those early days of the Church. He guides and directs—we need to listen and obey. How will you know?
When you’re in tune with God’s Word, you will know him. As with a close friend, you will know when he speaks to you about something specific.
God will speak to you through other people. You will hear a constant theme (For example, “You’re a great teacher.”) as people speak to you about how they see you. You will be encouraged in some specific way. People will come up to you “out of the blue” and affirm what you are thinking about doing. These are ways God speaks to you.
Be in touch. Be ready to listen. And go forward with confidence into God’s great purpose for you.


Pause and Consider: what God is saying to you through his people.