This Is the Way: A 30-Day Journey Through the Book of ActsНамуна

It's Time to Give Up

By Nic Lesmeister

“Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” —Acts 21:13-14

Statistically, about half of you reading this have at some point in your life been called the “S” word. If we’re honest, when we’re given this label, part of us wears it with pride while the other part vehemently denies it. I’m referring to the accusation of being “stubborn.”

When reading Acts 21, it’s easy to conclude that the Apostle Paul was a pretty stubborn person. He’d already been warned not to continue with his plans to journey to Jerusalem (see Acts 21:4). But Paul had declared he felt compelled or “bound” by the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem, though he knew jail and suffering awaited him in the future (see Acts 20:22–24).

Paul didn’t let fear, the threat of imprisonment, or even impending death stop him. He hurried to Jerusalem to appear before the Lord for the Jewish feast of Shavuot, or Pentecost. Shavuot is one of the three yearly feasts requiring Jewish men to travel to Jerusalem. (Four remaining feasts are celebrated annually without this travel requirement.) It was on Shavuot, just years earlier, when the Holy Spirit was powerfully poured out on Jesus-following Jews in Jerusalem. Perhaps Paul was eager to not miss another anticipated miracle in the city of the great King.

On his way, Paul landed on the coast of Judea and spent time fellowshipping with Jewish believers in Jesus who prophesied he shouldn’t leave for Jerusalem and begged him to stay. The text says they “couldn’t persuade him,” so they “gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done’” (Acts 21:14).

I must admit this is a very interesting conundrum. Paul seems to have been warned about going to Jerusalem from the Holy Spirit Himself, then from four young ladies with the gift of prophecy, and finally from a Judean believer who was known for his gift of prophecy. So who was right? Paul? Those prophesying?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation like this? Perhaps a friend has come and said, “I feel the Lord has said you should not (fill in the blank),” but you have a different sense in your heart from God. Maybe you feel confident God has spoken to you about taking a specific step of faith, and someone in your life counsels you otherwise. Maybe, like Paul, the Holy Spirit has revealed there would be difficulties as a result of your obedience. What should you do?

First, it’s important to have godly, trustworthy people in your life to give you counsel. Second, it’s even more important to receive counsel from the Word of God. But finally and most importantly, we must always be willing to raise our hands in surrender and say, “The Lord’s will be done.”

In the case of Paul in Acts 21, all we must do is read the following chapters to see God’s will being done. Paul powerfully shares his testimony with a large crowd of fellow Jews after he’s dragged out of the Temple where he was reaffirming his commitment to obey the Jewish laws. He then appears before the Jewish High Council and testifies to the resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus. Late that evening, the Lord appears to Paul to encourage him and tell him he must preach the good news in Rome as well. The book of Acts ends with Paul sharing the good news with the Jewish community in Rome.

I’m reminded of the words of Jesus when I read what happened to Paul: “Our Father in heaven . . . may your will be done on earth . . .” (Matthew 6:9–10 , emphasis added). And even though Paul’s friends felt he should not go to Jerusalem, they ultimately followed the wisdom of Jesus, saying, “The Lord’s will be done.”

How often have you made this your prayer? Sometimes, when I find myself navigating such complicated scenarios, I raise a white flag of surrender and tell God, “Your will be done!” The plans of God are so incredibly complex and wise beyond our own limited understanding. Only He can know how to use us in ways that will bring His kingdom on earth in greater measure. So the next time you find yourself in a challenging situation, lay down your will and understanding and pray, “The Lord’s will be done.”

Prayer

Father, I make this my prayer today, just as Jesus taught us. Let Your kingdom come in my life, and let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Even today, I surrender my own wisdom, plans, and motives. Guide me according to Your Word, Your Spirit, and the counsel of wise friends. But more than anything, let Your will be done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation

• Identify a decision or challenge you’re facing. Reach out to a counselor, godly mentor, pastor, or trusted friend, and ask for their wisdom and perspective on the matter. Then, take time to study the Word of God on your own and look for Scripture that speaks to your situation. Compare what you’ve learned from both sources, and ask God to give you clarity and peace as you discern His will. In the end, be prepared to say, “The Lord’s will be done,” even if it means a path you did not originally anticipate.

For Further Study

Acts 21; Matthew 6:5–14; Acts 28:17–31; Psalm 32:6–8; Proverbs 13:10

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?