God's PlansSample

20. The Lord’s Will Be Done

Why: God’s plans outweigh risks

Lectio. “When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’” (Acts 21:14, NIV – read Acts 21:10–16).

Meditatio. After the warnings of danger in chapters 20 and 21, a quarter of the book of Acts narrates Paul’s suffering—physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual. Even so, the apostle remained firm in fulfilling his biblical mission.

Oratio. Pray that, following Paul’s example, you will fulfill the mission God entrusted to you despite everything. Also pray for a community of faith that, with you, will always surrender to the Lord’s will.

Contemplatio. Picture the brothers urging Paul not to risk going to Jerusalem. See Paul discerning that the Spirit revealed suffering but did not revoke the mission (20:22). Watch as all finally surrendered: “The Lord’s will be done.”

Confessio. In striving to help churches fulfill their mission, I learned something decisive: I must not lead guided by analysis of strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and risks. My decisions must be born of the firm commitment to carry out the mission God entrusted to us.