Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Today’s Reading  |  Acts 9:26–31
When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He spoke and argued with the Hellenists; but they were attempting to kill him. When the believers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. (NRSV)

Reflection
My daughters are not too far away from moving on to college. We were recently talking about finding the perfect college and discerning gifts and a potential degree. I remember thinking how my life would be planned out the moment I crossed the stage to receive my diploma! Did this happen to you too? You graduate—so sure of yourself and what gifts you will be offering—only to experience life and its twists and turns. This must have been how Saul felt—so sure of his opinion and work. Then Jesus interrupted his life by twisting and turning it.

Twisting and turning can happen in so many ways in our lives. I have known people who are very sure of their gifts and vocation and venture through most of their life sharing their gifts. Then they retire and find their actual true gift or vocation—whatever that might be for them. I have known people who have many vocations by necessity in their life path, only to have them eventually all come together into a position that is perfect for them. I have also known people like Saul—so sure of himself and his position in society and opinion—who suddenly change to an opposite position through a sudden event. God is always with us.

When I am not sure what is next for me, I remember that God is at work in all of life’s twists and turns just as God was for Saul. I pray and listen.

Prayer
Gracious God, please help me to trust where you are leading me and to believe in your guidance. Be with those who are in the process of trusting your word to lead them to do work in your name. Amen.

Written by Allison Santos, Executive Assistant

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email