Acts Chapter 21: Verses 10-14 (NLT Translation)
Several days later a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. He came over, took Paul’s belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.’” When we heard this, we and the local believers all begged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.
But he said, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” When it was clear that we couldn’t persuade him, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
I don’t think the purpose of Agabus’ prophesy was to dissuade Paul from going to Jerusalem. God Himself had told Paul he would face many difficulties and trials but that He would be with him. Perhaps it was to encourage the others to pray and to support Paul whatever way they could. Yesterday’s reading showed how Elisha yielded to pressure. Here Paul did not; he stuck to the plan. When those with him realised that he wouldn’t change his mind, they did the only thing they could – they asked for God’s will to be done.
Its difficult to watch someone else go through trials and difficulties and feel helpless and unable to be of use to them. But we can pray for God’s will to be done in their lives and ask God to strengthen and uphold them. We can be supportive in whatever way we can, but we should never try to dissuade them if they are certain that this is the path they should go. Its difficult to watch only from the sidelines, but it is comforting to know God goes with them.
Dear Lord,
There are those I know today going through trying and difficult times. Let Your will be done. Comfort them and strengthen them I pray, in Jesus Name. Amen.