Prayer that Listens: God’s surprises

Sometimes God throws curveballs – loopers – puts us in unexpected situations. This was the case for Philip in Acts 8. Philip had begun preaching in Samaria with great success. Crowds were coming to Jesus, signs and miracles performed, and demons were being cast out. By all accounts, it was a pretty successful ministry trip. You can imagine Philip’s surprise when an angel (messenger) showed up and told him to go to a stretch of deserted wilderness highway. He might have thought, “really, Lord? Are you sure you have this one right?”

As it turned out, this unexpected change in plans was a set-up (they usually are when God’s involved). Philip runs into a eunuch from Ethiopia – likely the treasurer of the Queen of Ethiopia. This powerful man was in his chariot reading the scriptures. The Holy Spirit whispered to Philip, “go and walk alongside the chariot”. Philip obeyed and the man was eager to hear what he had to say and was baptized immediately.

The Challenge:

Sometimes when we listen, the Holy Spirit whispers unexpected instructions to us. Ask God if there is something out of the ordinary for you today.

“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.” Psalm 32:8