Day 112: Say No to Say Yes

Acts 18; Judges 9; Job 38

I never knew that Acts was so full of help on living as a follower of Christ.  I mostly remembered it as a chronicling of Paul's travels.  From this chapter, it teaches that we have to be willing to follow God's calling for our lives above everything, even our church.  The Syrian church wanted Paul to stay, in fact they begged him.  There are a lot of churches out there with a lot of needs.  Sometimes, they beg people to help.  Paul understood that his purpose was not to stay in one location, that God had called him to continue to travel to reach many churches, not just one.  Did he hurt their feelings?  Probably.  Where some of them frustrated or sad?  For sure.  Was it difficult for Paul to say 'no'?  Of course.  The church always needs help with the little kids.  They are wonderful and cute, but I'm definitely not going to be the first one to raise my hand to volunteer.  I don't have much experience and God seems to always call me to work with older kids.  I might have to say 'no' to some things in order to keep the door open for the other things that God really wants me to do.

Abimelech was in charge for three years before God decided to punish him.  I'm sure the people were wondering where God was and why he was waiting so long.  It can be frustrating and disheartening when God doesn't move as quickly as we think he should.  But, God is a God of justice and he doesn't miss anything. We can have faith that he will protect or punish as only The Lord of the Universe knows.
 
This chapter of Job reminds us of just how awesome our Lord is.  We are just lowly tenants on this great big mass of God's creation.  And yet, The Lord cares for each and every one of us; that should make you feel very special.