RE Verse reading–Acts 6:8-15, 7:1-60 (day six) “As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham. . .a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt” (7:17-18) One of Stephen’s sermon insights is a good reminder for us. God’s plan requires patience. His plan is perfect but also progressive (one step and then another with a timing of His own determination). Abraham follows. His father dies. Then he takes the next step. His ancestors finally get settled in the land of promise. Then a famine comes and a 400 year interruption. Over and over the story encounters delay and direction change–only to reveal that God has been guiding all along. One thing is certain. None of us is in charge of God’s calendar. None of us see the “big picture”. Our only choice is to follow the Spirit as He presents the assignment/opportunity prepared for us. Patience will be required. Those who wait on the Lord. . .
“You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.” (John 15)
I think in the New Testament we do/should know what God is doing…. saving the world through Jesus (big picture)… I think the problem for me is that often I focus on the the little picture instead of the Big One. Thanks for the reminder.
Father, help us keep our eyes on You and what You are doing today in the World. Amen.