God's Word Changes LivesSample

DON'T GIVE UP

An Ethiopian eunuch went all the way to Jerusalem to worship God. But most likely, they did not let him into the central part of the Temple. One, because he was not Jewish. Two, because he was a eunuch. If you don’t know what a eunuch is, please google it. These people were not welcomed to worship in the Jerusalem Temple.

But even though he was not allowed to participate in Temple worship, our Ethiopian friend did not give up searching for the God of Israel. He purchased a scroll to read on his way home, hoping to learn more about this great and mighty God.

I don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse, but he picked up the writings of the Prophet Isaiah. And just like many of us today, he had no idea what the prophet was talking about.

Now I know this next part is a blessing. In fact, it’s a bonafide miracle. The Holy Spirit then miraculously delivered Philip next to the Ethiopian’s carriage and instructed him to explain the meaning of this passage. The Ethiopian accepted Philip’s help, so Philip started teaching him about Isiah’s prophecy and its fulfillment through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. When Philip was done, the eunuch asked to be baptized because he was ready to follow Jesus.

The Ethiopian treasurer could’ve given up when they did not allow him to join the worship at the Temple. He could have given up when he did not understand what he was reading. But he did not give up, so God allowed him to receive the Good News.

So don’t give up when you don’t understand. Pray and ask God to reveal himself to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom so that you can apply God’s truth in your life. And, of course, you should contact your pastors, small group leaders, and Christian mentors when you are lost.

If you are serious about knowing God through his word, God will allow you to find him. Just like he revealed himself to the Ethiopian eunuch, he will also reveal himself to you.

God wants you to know him through his word. He wants to change your life also through his word. So don’t give up when you learn something you don’t understand. Seek, ask, and God will reveal himself to you.