How does God interact with us in the big decisions of life? You know, those REALLY big ones. This verse doesn’t precisely match the equation I’m familiar with.
You may be familiar with the equation I’m referring to: read the Bible, pray, ask for prayer; read, pray, ask; read, pray, ask … until the Holy Spirit tells me the right answer.
In Acts 15, we’re dropped into a very big scene in Church history. The Gentiles are experiencing the same Holy Spirit the Jews are and the church in Jerusalem is meeting to determine if the Gentiles are welcome and, if so, with what instructions. The believers in Jerusalem make a decision then write a letter saying, “The Holy Spirit told us…” “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”.
I picture God and the church collaborating in discussion around a table, disagreements and all. What I observe here is an imperfect group whom God called to co-labor with him. I think God both led and gave them liberty in their decision. God gives us this same liberty today.
The point isn’t that read, pray, and ask aren’t fitting — they are quite fitting — but that I can get so wrapped up in getting the answer and the method “right” that I miss Jesus in the midst of it.
If you find yourself in anxiety over a big decision, step back and remember that God is far more interested in us as his people than he is about us getting it “right.”
Heavenly Father, thank you that you love us, you delight in us, and you invite us to be an active part of your story. Teach us to trust you more than worrying about getting it “right.” Amen.
Go Deeper — How do you handle conflict of opinions amongst believers? How can you unite as brothers and sisters even if you disagree, or can you?
Photo Credit: Jordan Ladikos