After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles. When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” Acts 21:10-14

Paul knew. He knew that he was living the will of God and he was ready to give up his life in order to spread the Spirit of the Lord. This brings to mind something I have heard people say more and more often in the past few years – ‘It is what it is’. I happen to dislike that statement because it seems to be an excuse for not moving forward, not willing to make changes, not willing to think outside the box. But in the context of Paul and faith and the Spirit of the Lord, it seems to be a better fit. ‘It is what it is’ is the solid path we have to travel in our faith.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to continue to grow in Your Sprit, help me to slow down and take the time to open my heart and mind to listen and to live the life You have planned for me. Please give me Paul’s strength to not be dissuaded from Your path. Amen.