Nougat 5

There is a tendency among believers to assume that the manifestation of God’s Spirit can only occur through the speaking in unknown tongues. Whereas that might have been the first manifestation among the followers of the ‘Way’ at Pentecost, it is erroneous to restrict the work and witness of God’s Spirit. Consider today’s Holy Nougat

““And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” Acts‬ ‭20:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul’s comment comes towards the end of his career; although there was much more to be accomplished. It is interesting that Paul is ready to just go at the Spirit’s urging. Should we take the time to dig deeper in Acts however, there is enough evidence of God’s Spirit at work in and through Paul’s life that makes his decision practicable.

For Paul, God’s Spirit provided revelation, direction, advocacy, wisdom and support from the moment he had his Damascus Road experience. Paul gained direct Revelation when arrested on his journey to annihilate the followers of Jesus. That experience transformed him to the extent that even his name was changed. It is said that ‘scales’ fell from his eyes, he went physically blind and was guided spiritually and physically into God’s Truth. Only by the Spirit of God!

At different times during the missionary journeys, Paul and companions received direct instructions on where to go and/or what to do when there. This wasn’t restricted solely to Paul, others had similar experiences. In some instances the direction was offered in totality, at other times, it was partial. For me, this serves to assure us that God’s move is not one size fits all, the Spirit moves dynamically. As such, it would behoove us to listen for God’s Spirit speaking to us directly and not assume that we are always called to the same path as everyone else.

Acts further chronicles God’s Spirit as Advocate, speaking and acting on behalf of Paul; gaining him acceptance when no one would/should have trusted him; granting favour with authority; and all for God’s glory. While the support he received was sometimes interspersed with favour in trying situations, Paul also received Favour from churches and individuals from the beginning to the end of his ministry. And I believe we can agree that the Wisdom that came from Paul, which resulted in the penning of several letters (and a few being written in his name), stand testimony to God’s provision and not just book learning.

When God’s Spirit compelled Paul to go to Jerusalem, he KNEW he had to obey. For he was familiar with God’s Spirit at work in his life and knew, even without a guarantee of the outcome, that God’s Spirit was with him. No tongues, no extreme manifestations; just the compulsion to go and the assurance of accompaniment.

So here we are, perhaps at our own crossroads, needing to determine what next on our spiritual journey. Should we make the decision to invite God’s Spirit to work in and through us, what an impact might be made in these times. And if we already made that decision; I pray us faith like Paul to face whatever God has in store for us.

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May all we seek be found in Christ