Guided By Problems
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. – Acts 1:8
The early church faced intense persecution, forcing believers to scatter beyond Jerusalem. Though painful, this scattering fulfilled Jesus’ command to take the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.
Before Jesus was taken up into the clouds, He said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth." However, after Pentecost, the problem was that they were staying in Jerusalem. It was all about the holy city of Jerusalem. It was where God moved, where Pentecost happened, and no one wanted to leave Jerusalem. Through the problem of persecution, the church was finally being obedient and going to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Sometimes, problems bring a sensitivity to doing what God wants us to do. God allows the pressure of problems to squeeze us into greater obedience, and we get forced into where He wants us to go. We get pressured into doing what He wants us to do because we would normally not move in that direction unless a problem happened in our lives.
We like where we are comfortable. We like where we feel at home. Sometimes, God has a bigger plan for our lives that is beyond our immediate scope of vision. Often through the pressure of problems, He moves us into the next stage in our lives. When problems happen in our lives, God can use those problems to move us where He wants us to be.
The early church faced intense persecution, forcing believers to scatter beyond Jerusalem. Though painful, this scattering fulfilled Jesus’ command to take the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.
Before Jesus was taken up into the clouds, He said, "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth." However, after Pentecost, the problem was that they were staying in Jerusalem. It was all about the holy city of Jerusalem. It was where God moved, where Pentecost happened, and no one wanted to leave Jerusalem. Through the problem of persecution, the church was finally being obedient and going to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Sometimes, problems bring a sensitivity to doing what God wants us to do. God allows the pressure of problems to squeeze us into greater obedience, and we get forced into where He wants us to go. We get pressured into doing what He wants us to do because we would normally not move in that direction unless a problem happened in our lives.
We like where we are comfortable. We like where we feel at home. Sometimes, God has a bigger plan for our lives that is beyond our immediate scope of vision. Often through the pressure of problems, He moves us into the next stage in our lives. When problems happen in our lives, God can use those problems to move us where He wants us to be.
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January
Building Men Over MembershipsAre You Encouraging Others?Committing Others To ChristSharing Your StoryFaith Beyond Your FamilyGod’s Purpose In Your PainAligned PrayersPraying with PowerA Defining EncounterA Desire To ServeA Faithful and Helpful FriendRestoring Broken RelationshipsThe Power To RestoreA Guilt-Free LifeA Hand Of BlessingA Heart Of RepentanceAllowing God To Do The ChangingAre You Feeling Stuck?Trust His HeartBe Ready For InterruptionsFull of the Holy SpiritDefeating DepressionPowerful Prayers and a BurdenThe Triumphal EntrySurrender Your Life to ChristGratitude Is The Gateway To ContentmentGratitude Is A Defense Against AnxietyDealing With DoubtFocus On The WordGiving and ServingListening Instead Of Talking
February
3 Keys To A Heavenly PerspectiveA Faith Rooted in FactA Faith That Draws or DrivesWhy Support Israel?The Danger Of Being Full Of YourselfLiving Out The Great CommissionMaking SureGod Is All-SufficientGuided By ProblemsJoy In The Midst Of ProblemsRemember Who God IsA Brand New Glimpse Of JesusA Call To God’s ChurchA Childlike FaithA Christ-Honoring EpitaphA Church On FireA Faithful and Helpful FriendA Personal AnswerA Public AnswerBe Sensitive To Your WitnessAwakenings and Quiet TimesCraving Spiritual MilkEmbracing Your Second ChanceSigns Of True RevivalResisting EvilBe DifferentBe AstuteBe Loving
March
Witness with Your WordsGod’s Word Is EnoughStay Rooted In The TruthA Call to God’s ChurchFalse ProphetsJesus Intercedes for YouHave You Met Christ?Focus on the GiverEncountering God’s GraceStanding Accountable Before GodBe Ready for the End Jesus Understands Your PainLooking ForwardImmeasurably MoreLiving in DenialYour Salvation MomentWhat Does It Look Like To Be The Church?A Word of BlessingJesus Cares about YouThe PavementWhen You Need Hope The End Is Near Stand on the Word of GodA Gracious GiftCelebrating Through BaptismThe Promise of the Holy SpiritBe Aligned in PrayerI Am InnocentGod Draws Us to HimselfFind Rest in the LordBearing The Burdens Of OthersPrioritizing Your Love For Christ
April
3 Comments
I loved being a member of Westside church. Back in 2020 I felt God tugging me away. I felt like I needed to be in a church closer to home. I wouldn't have chosen the church that I am currently in. It just seems like this is where I am supposed to be. It is full of love and potential to reach the outside world. And do just that. I also work with a lady that feels inadequate to teach little kids, yet is learning we are to be planting seeds ?
As long as I know that God is with me and has a hedge of protection around me and my family in the spiritual realm then I know I'll be fine.
I believe that today's topic stands true for the state of being that the world is in today. God is moving us to where he wants us to be. Amen, Amen !!!