Fork In The Road
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ ” Isaiah 30:21
Sometimes God takes us somewhere we don’t want to go so He can accomplish what He wants to do with us. Sometimes He has a divine appointment waiting for us that we are unaware of. But the place He sends us, to our divine appointment, can make a difference in the life of someone else.
But when God sends us there, He always leads us to that familiar fork in the road, when we can decide whether we’re going to follow His direction or not. A strategic moment when we decide whether we’re going to be obedient to His direction, or follow our own path.
In Acts 8, Philip found himself at that familiar fork. God sent him on a defined path. “Now the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ This is desert.” It was also unsafe. Philip did not want to go there. He had a choice. Follow God’s direction and go South. Or turn and go his own way. What was waiting for him along the defined path God chose was a supernatural opportunity.
Philip chose obedience. He chose to listen to God. He chose to listen to God’s still, small voice in his ear saying to him, “This is the way. Walk in it.”
And what was the outcome? A divine appointment with an Ethiopian eunuch. At the eunuch’s request Philip preached Jesus to him and baptized him into the family of God.
Is there a fork in the road in your sight? Is God leading you to a place where He can use you or show you what He wants to do with you? Someone you work with has asked you to lunch, but you really don’t want to go? Your neighbors are un-churched, but you just don’t seem to have time to visit? Your teenage daughter told you she wants to talk with you, but you have to work late and tomorrow you’re going on a business trip? Your ailing mother-in-law asks you if you could pick up some milk and bread for her from the store, but you’ll be late for your workout at the gym? God urges you to meet Him in His word, and you promise to meet Him there . . .right after you get home from shopping . . .Saturday.
When is your next appointment? Do you think it might be a divine one? Do you think God might lead you to a supernatural opportunity to show you God’s glory? When you can make a difference for the Kingdom of God? You’ll know when you get to that fork in the road and decide which road to take.
PRAYER: Father, I know how full my schedule is this week. I’m interacting with friends and family and folks at work all week. Sweet Jesus, when I get to those forks in the road, guide me into your truth and your purpose for sending me on that road. Make me attentive to Your still small voice whispering in my ear which road to take. Then, Father, give me the courage and conviction to listen and take the road You have chosen for me. I don’t want to miss one single divine appointment, one single opportunity to look for your glory in my encounters with others. May I find your glory in each one. Amen.