Go Light

Daily Reading: Acts 16

Scripture Focus: They attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. (Acts 16.7)

Devotional Thought: Have you ever heard someone giving directions say something like, "Go to the second stop light and make a right?" Why is it that people use the term 'stop light'? Isn't it green as much as it is red? Why not call it a 'go light'?

The Apostle Paul usually operated under the idea of a 'go light.' He was always on go for Jesus! As Paul and his fellow missionaries travelled around Asia Minor, they encountered obstacles. And, they weren't just normal obstacles. They were Holy Spirit obstacles! We don't know how the Spirit spoke, but it is obvious that Paul and his companions clearly understood that the Spirit was closing certain doors. Did that stop them? No! They just tried other doors! Paul had a 'go light’ mentality.

Now, I understand that there are times to wait upon the Lord, there are times we need to spend contemplating what's next. In this same chapter, we encounter Paul waiting in Philippi "some days" until God opened the door (v. 12). But, I think that the bigger problem for Christians, is that we hesitate to do anything, because we don't know everything. It is so hard to overcome spiritual inertia.

I once heard a preacher say, "If you're not sure what to do, try something. If it's wrong, don't worry. God will stop you. The worst thing you can do is nothing." I heard another one say, "God always calls a busy person." And, one more preacher quote: "It's harder to get a ship moving, than it is to turn one in a different direction.”

So, let's be bold and try something for Jesus! He won't be upset if you don't get it right the first time! He's giving you a go light!

Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for being timid and shy about my work for you. Help me to have a ‘go light’ mentality, so that you can use me for your purposes. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 70.1-5

1 Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me! 2 Let them be put to shame and confusion who seek my life! Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt! 3 Let them turn back because of their shame who say, “Aha, Aha!”

4 May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!” 5 But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!