Unhurried: A 5-Day Challenge to Slow Your Pace and Fix Your Eyes on JesusSample

Philip’s Example of Living Unhurried

In Acts 6:1–7, we read that the followers of Jesus increased in number, and the disciples tried to do it all. But couldn’t. Not the point of the story, but if I were guessing, they probably weren’t working to create much margin. As a solution, they chose seven men to serve, one of whom was Philip.

The next time we see Philip is in Acts 8:4–8, in the city of Samaria, proclaiming Christ and performing signs. Scripture tells us there was “much joy in that city.” From an outward, worldly perspective, Philip had no reason to leave where he was or stop doing what he was doing. People were paying attention to what he was saying, and his ministry was excelling. However, God had something else planned.

Acts 8:26–27a says this: “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jeru- salem to Gaza.’ This is a desert place. And he rose and went.”

“He rose and went.” He didn’t stop and explain to God that walking to the desert wasn’t on his to-do list. He didn’t ask God for more specifics or details before he decided if he would go or not. He simply “rose and went.” Philip’s desire for obedience was more important to him than his to-do list, his plans for the day, and even his thriving ministry in Samaria. He had made room in his life for special situations like these.

Continuing on in Acts 8, you learn the Spirit led Philip to an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading the book of Isaiah yet struggling to understand.

Philip, starting with the passage the Ethiopian was reading, shared the good news of Jesus. Immediately after, Philip baptized his new brother in the faith.

Take a minute to think about this: Because Philip was obedient and committed to following the Spirit over his own plans, a man gained eternal life. Not only that, but this man carried the gospel back with him to Ethiopia, furthering the gospel movement. There’s no way we could know the full impact of this encounter!

The story concludes in verses 39–40.

“And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.”

I love this! Philip could’ve easily told the Lord, “Okay God, I’ll go, but I’m heading straight to Samaria to jump back into my ministry. It’s comfortable, it’s successful, and I need to get back to keep the momentum going. I have responsibilities!” However, Philip responded differently. The Spirit carried him away to Azotus (I’d love to know more what this was like!). Then, “as he passed through,” Philip preached the gospel.

Again, Philip isn’t rushing back to where he thinks he should be—he’s taking steps and asking the Lord for opportunities along the way. Then, when the Lord answers, Philip is obedient.

I wonder how many times we miss opportunities because we are too hurried and too focused on getting back to where we think we should be. The start of obedience often involves pausing and listening to the promptings of the Spirit.

Today’s Challenge: Pause and Listen

Like Philip, we must be willing and ready to pause, listen, and obey the Lord. Today, your challenge is simply to ask God what he wants you to do right now. If God places something on your heart, press into it. When you commit to slowing down, it’s amazing what God will call you to do.

After Reading the Passages, Answer:

1. What does this teach me about God?
2. How should I order my days as a result?