Thursday, September 28, 2017
Acts 18:20-21 When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus.
GOD'S WILL
When the Jews in Ephesus wanted Paul to stay longer, he declined. He was on his way home to Jerusalem and Antioch. But he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will."
"If it is God's will." Not only is God well able to make it happen, but God's will is the best thing that can happen! This is not something that we know by instinct. To the world "an act of God" usually means "disaster." But because we have seen Him send His dear Son to die for us, we know that "if it is God's will," even disasters will serve a good purpose. If they take our life, there will be no more hunger, thirst, sorrow, tears or pain. And if they don't take our life, they can still serve for our good.
If it is God's will that things are kept from us or taken from us, then God has something better in mind for us. He will not give up His beloved Son for us and then fail to take care of our lesser needs. That includes a friend, a spouse, a child, a home, peace, health, education, honor, and all the other things we pray for as "daily bread." If it is God's will, it will be good.
In this confidence we can pray: "Thy will be done." Many are looking for a heaven on earth. Well, here it is. When God's will-- powerful and good-- which is done in heaven, is also done on earth, then heaven has come to earth.
