November 21. Acts 13 – 14.

 

13:2 One day as these men were worshiping and fasting the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Paul for a special job I have for them.” 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them—and sent them on their way.

 

14:26 Finally they returned by ship to Antioch, where their journey had begun and where they had been committed to God for the work now completed.

 

One verse from each chapter of today’s reading supply the bookends for this devotional thought today: Your storyline. The Holy Spirit was directing this story of Barnabas and Paul. He was working in the lives of other men and directing them to think of Barnabas and Paul. The Holy Spirit introduced the plot of the story as the declaration was made that they both had a special job to do. Then these two main characters continued to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit in their lives; and the conclusion? They returned, where their journey had begun, committed to God, and the work was completed.

If you take the time to read these two chapters of narration you will see this was no small journey. It was extensive and it was intense. Paul was even stoned and left for dead in one of the scenes of this story. 

Following the Spirit of God is never a guarantee for an easy life, but it does introduce the follower to the potential of living with the power of God, the peace of God, and the joy of God in your life, well beyond what your circumstances may be.

So, what is the storyline of your life?  God has a special job, just for you. He wants to send you on your way so that one day the work, designed specifically for you, will be completed. Paul and Barnabas lived their storyline. What will you do with yours?

You have a choice, life always has choices. You can choose to follow the Director’s cues and storyline, or you can try to write and direct your own story. Think about Acts 14:26 again before you go off script and choose not to heed the Directors, the Holy Spirit’s, instructions and directions – the work was now completed. Barnabas and Paul finished.

 A job, task or goal completed is so very very satisfying. And when it is completed even the struggles, wounds, and battles incurred during the completion become part of the story. Many times it is in the details of the scars and battles that others are inspired to live their own special storyline.

Next time you feel that prompting, that nudge, your conscience talking to you – listen to it, follow the Director’s voice. God has a wonderful adventure and storyline written just for you. He has a special job that He has designed as uniquely for you as you are unique to Him. He wants you to complete it. You can; with His Spirit, His power, and His joy. 

Live who God knows you to be!