January 20th, 2025
by Pastor Luke
by Pastor Luke
The Wind of the Spirit: Surrendering to God's Direction
Have you ever felt like you're sailing against the wind, struggling to make progress in your life or faith journey? Perhaps it's time to consider if you're trying to control your path instead of surrendering to God's guidance.
In the book of Acts, we find a powerful story of how God redirects the steps of His servants for a greater purpose. Paul and his missionary team had plans to preach the gospel in Asia and Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit prevented them. Instead, they were led to Macedonia through a vision. At first glance, this change of plans might seem frustrating or confusing. However, as the story unfolds, we see the divine wisdom behind this redirection.
This narrative teaches us a crucial lesson: when God closes a door, He's not rejecting us – He's protecting us. Conversely, when He opens a door, He's providing for us. The key is to follow the Shepherd's voice and know which doors to knock on. As Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
In Macedonia, Paul and his team encountered three significant individuals: Lydia, a demon-possessed slave girl, and a jailer. Each of these encounters showcases God's perfect timing and purpose.
Lydia, a worshipper of God, had her heart opened to the full gospel message. She and her entire household believed and were baptized. The demon-possessed slave girl was set free from her spiritual bondage through Paul's authority in Christ. The jailer, after a dramatic earthquake that opened the prison doors, asked the crucial question, "What must I do to be saved?" He and his household also came to faith and were baptized - and even washed the wounds of the apostles whom he jailed!
These events reveal why the Holy Spirit redirected Paul's team. God had prepared these encounters in advance, demonstrating that our steps are indeed established by the Lord when we yield to His guidance.
This brings us to a profound truth: we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Our job is not to prepare the way, but to walk in what God has already prepared. It's like arriving at a feast where the table has been set, and the food is ready – we simply need to sit down and partake.
For those feeling overwhelmed by trying to make things happen in their lives, this truth should bring relief. Everything God has promised in your life – in your relationships, career, and personal growth – has already been prepared. The question is whether we are willing to walk in it, to receive it, to accept it.
Imagine the 9-year-old Luke trying to sail a small canoe against the wind. It's futile and frustrating. But when the sail is set in the direction of the wind, progress becomes effortless. Similarly, when we set our sails in the direction of the Spirit's wind, He leads us to people who need what God offers through us.
This principle applies to every aspect of our spiritual lives. The salvation, edification, power, authority, humility, and spiritual gifts we need are all freely offered in Christ. But these gifts are not just for us – they're meant to flow through us to others.
Who is your "plus one" – the person God is preparing you to reach? Like Lydia, the slave girl, or the jailer, there are people in your life who need the gospel message or a touch from God. By yielding to the Holy Spirit's direction, you position yourself to be used by God in powerful ways.
Surrendering to God's will doesn't mean we become passive. Rather, it means we actively align ourselves with His purposes. It's about trusting that the power of the Holy Spirit in us is sufficient, as long as we yield to Him and say, "Not my will, but Yours be done."
For many of us, the challenge is letting go of control. We hold on tightly to our plans and desires, trying to manipulate outcomes. But the word of the Lord calls us to surrender. This surrender might look different for each person – it could be falling to your knees in prayer, seeking counsel from spiritual leaders, or simply standing with open hands, asking God to reset the sails of your life in the direction of His Spirit's wind.
As we reflect on the message in Acts 16, let's ask ourselves:
1. Am I trying to sail against the wind in any area of my life?
2. How can I be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance?
3. Who might be the "plus one" God is preparing me to reach?
4. In what ways am I still holding onto control instead of surrendering to God?
Remember, God has not called us to be part of a spiritual country club, but to be active members of His church – a living organism that breathes life, health, holiness, power, and authority into a dark world. We have the opportunity to rise up, like Paul did, and confront the evil that surrounds people's lives.
As we survive January in Indiana, let's pray for the wisdom to turn our sails in the direction of God's wind. May we loosen our grip on control and yield to the Holy Spirit. Let's ask God to anoint our lives, our families, and our communities, setting us in the direction of His Spirit's wind so that we might engage with the "plus ones" He has in mind for us.
In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, there's profound peace in knowing that our steps are ordered by a loving God. When we surrender to His direction, we not only find our true purpose but also become conduits of His love and power to a world in need. So, are you ready to reset your sails and follow the wind of the Spirit?
stay salty. be bright.
Pastor Luke
In the book of Acts, we find a powerful story of how God redirects the steps of His servants for a greater purpose. Paul and his missionary team had plans to preach the gospel in Asia and Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit prevented them. Instead, they were led to Macedonia through a vision. At first glance, this change of plans might seem frustrating or confusing. However, as the story unfolds, we see the divine wisdom behind this redirection.
This narrative teaches us a crucial lesson: when God closes a door, He's not rejecting us – He's protecting us. Conversely, when He opens a door, He's providing for us. The key is to follow the Shepherd's voice and know which doors to knock on. As Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
In Macedonia, Paul and his team encountered three significant individuals: Lydia, a demon-possessed slave girl, and a jailer. Each of these encounters showcases God's perfect timing and purpose.
Lydia, a worshipper of God, had her heart opened to the full gospel message. She and her entire household believed and were baptized. The demon-possessed slave girl was set free from her spiritual bondage through Paul's authority in Christ. The jailer, after a dramatic earthquake that opened the prison doors, asked the crucial question, "What must I do to be saved?" He and his household also came to faith and were baptized - and even washed the wounds of the apostles whom he jailed!
These events reveal why the Holy Spirit redirected Paul's team. God had prepared these encounters in advance, demonstrating that our steps are indeed established by the Lord when we yield to His guidance.
This brings us to a profound truth: we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Our job is not to prepare the way, but to walk in what God has already prepared. It's like arriving at a feast where the table has been set, and the food is ready – we simply need to sit down and partake.
For those feeling overwhelmed by trying to make things happen in their lives, this truth should bring relief. Everything God has promised in your life – in your relationships, career, and personal growth – has already been prepared. The question is whether we are willing to walk in it, to receive it, to accept it.
Imagine the 9-year-old Luke trying to sail a small canoe against the wind. It's futile and frustrating. But when the sail is set in the direction of the wind, progress becomes effortless. Similarly, when we set our sails in the direction of the Spirit's wind, He leads us to people who need what God offers through us.
This principle applies to every aspect of our spiritual lives. The salvation, edification, power, authority, humility, and spiritual gifts we need are all freely offered in Christ. But these gifts are not just for us – they're meant to flow through us to others.
Who is your "plus one" – the person God is preparing you to reach? Like Lydia, the slave girl, or the jailer, there are people in your life who need the gospel message or a touch from God. By yielding to the Holy Spirit's direction, you position yourself to be used by God in powerful ways.
Surrendering to God's will doesn't mean we become passive. Rather, it means we actively align ourselves with His purposes. It's about trusting that the power of the Holy Spirit in us is sufficient, as long as we yield to Him and say, "Not my will, but Yours be done."
For many of us, the challenge is letting go of control. We hold on tightly to our plans and desires, trying to manipulate outcomes. But the word of the Lord calls us to surrender. This surrender might look different for each person – it could be falling to your knees in prayer, seeking counsel from spiritual leaders, or simply standing with open hands, asking God to reset the sails of your life in the direction of His Spirit's wind.
As we reflect on the message in Acts 16, let's ask ourselves:
1. Am I trying to sail against the wind in any area of my life?
2. How can I be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance?
3. Who might be the "plus one" God is preparing me to reach?
4. In what ways am I still holding onto control instead of surrendering to God?
Remember, God has not called us to be part of a spiritual country club, but to be active members of His church – a living organism that breathes life, health, holiness, power, and authority into a dark world. We have the opportunity to rise up, like Paul did, and confront the evil that surrounds people's lives.
As we survive January in Indiana, let's pray for the wisdom to turn our sails in the direction of God's wind. May we loosen our grip on control and yield to the Holy Spirit. Let's ask God to anoint our lives, our families, and our communities, setting us in the direction of His Spirit's wind so that we might engage with the "plus ones" He has in mind for us.
In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, there's profound peace in knowing that our steps are ordered by a loving God. When we surrender to His direction, we not only find our true purpose but also become conduits of His love and power to a world in need. So, are you ready to reset your sails and follow the wind of the Spirit?
stay salty. be bright.
Pastor Luke
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