Day 7: Prepared in advance
The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it” (Acts 8:29).
Our Father in heaven, You are God omnipotent. We think of the words of Job, "You know the way I take" (Job 23:10), and of the prophet Jeremiah, O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps Jeremiah 10:23).
Lord, Your word tell us that we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which You prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). You know the assignments, the opportunities, the people, we will encounter. Help us to be alert and ready to go to the desert road (Acts 8:26), or wherever you direct. Lead us, as You did Philip, to the divine appointments You have scheduled in the work of Your kingdom.
We do not know what's on the road ahead, but You do. Help us to be always listening for Your directions. Teach us to clearly hear Your Holy Spirit promptings. Give us a willingness to obey even when Your instructions seem puzzling or when we don't have all the information.
Give us the courage to go to the "chariots" You point out—the bus, the house, the cubicle, the lunch table, the school yard, the hardware store, the parking lot, the waiting room, the sick bed—and stay there. Let it be enough that You say, This is the way (Isaiah 30:21).
Help us to gladly follow the course You set, understanding that Your directives are not detours at all, but part of Your plan. Use us to touch the lives of those who journey with us.
Teach us today to see "chance encounters" through new eyes, following Your call to minister love, kindness, compassion, and hope. Teach us to make the most of every opportunity in these evil days (Ephesians 5:16).
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