There is a unique story in the book of Acts that spoke to me this week. In Acts 10, a Roman official named Cornelius showed a desire to know God but had no one to tell him about Jesus. God spoke to him and told him to invite the apostle Peter to his home for a conversation. At the same time, God spoke to Peter, teaching him that all people are welcome in God's family, not just those of Jewish descent. Both men obeyed God's instructions, and these verses follow in the narrative:
First, Peter said:
"So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
Cornelius answered:
“Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me. [He said] 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” Acts 10:30, 32-33 NIV
Neither man knew why the other was there! Because they were both obedient (without knowing the why), they got to be part of a great work of God. Many people came to faith in Christ and received the gift of the Holy Spirit that day.
In my life, I've often lacked clarity in following God's direction for my life. God doesn't often reveal the details of His plans to us in advance. These two men in Acts 10 illustrate a lesson I'm trying to learn as I walk with God ...
You can never obey God TOO LONG.
Both Peter and Cornelius were living their lives with a desire to serve God as best they could. God had new things in store for both of them, and He made those plans clear in the right time. God even used supernatural methods to communicate. If we walk in humble obedience to God, we don't have to worry we will "miss out" on His direction for our lives.
t's a little like driving a car on a freeway ... the law tells you to always obey the last posted speed limit, and you don't change speed until you pass a new sign. If we keep obeying the LAST thing we know God has given us, He will make sure we don't miss the NEXT thing He has in store.
I hope 2017 is a year where you walk with God and get to be part of the great work He is doing.
Brent
bmills@b4church.org
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