Looking for the Lord to Lead

In Acts 8:26-40 we have the story of how the Lord led Philip, step by step, to share Jesus with the Ethiopian eunuch. As the ministry in Samaria was thriving, an angel shows up and tells him to go south on the road Gaza. Luke points out that this was desert. The question would come to mind, wondering if this could really be God's will. The critical thing to notice is that he is given only the first step, "to go". It isn't until he obeys that he is given the second step, and each of the following steps. He sees the eunuch in his chariot reading, and the Spirit tells him to go run up next to the chariot. It just so happens that the eunuch is reading Isaiah 53. The follows the Great Commission from there as the Ethiopian comes to a relationship with Jesus. Most of us would love be led like Philip was, to have that sense that God is personally directing our lives. The first step is to believe that God does and He will direct us. Then do what you already know to be God's will. Do those things that He calls each of us to do as believers. Decide ahead of time that you are going to obey, even before you know what His will might be. Then you can expect God to lead you.

As I write this blog, I am in California at the Pastors' conference. I may be in California, buy my body is still on Florida time. I'm here because the Lord showed me that He wanted me to be by providing for the trip. Because of the flight schedules, I have to fly our here on Sunday, even though the conference doesn't start until Monday at noon. I've come to look forward to seeing how the Lord will direct these Sundays here at the conference center. Last year I sat down at a table with some people and had a conversation that led to the article in the Calvary Chapel Magazine. This year, as I was walking across the parking lot in front of the registration area, a man stands up from a table across from where I was and calls my name. I didn't recognize him at first, but after a second look I realized that it was David Evans from Calvary Chapel Greenwood, SC. I had not seen him in 21 years. CC Greenwood is the church where I was ordained and sent out from. We had a great time of fellowship, renewing the friendship and watching the end of the NBA playoffs at Rosa's Cantina. You just never know what the Lord will do, when you are open to, and looking for, His leading.
Pastor Chris