Will we see God’s simple solutions to our situation, or will they pass us by? Acts 23:16
There are numerous incidents in the book of Acts when God intervened in the lives of the Church, particularly the leaders.
Peter was in prison and the Church was earnestly praying to God for him. Herod had already killed James the brother of John and intended to do the same with Peter. ‘Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, “Quick, get up”! he said and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists’. Acts 12
Paul and Silas were in prison after Paul had cast out the spirit from the slave girl. ‘About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns… suddenly a violent earthquake shook the prison and all the doors were open and the chains fell off. Acts 16
Paul was once again in prison in Jerusalem and the religious had taken an oath to kill him. Time for another miracle? No, a much simpler solution. “But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to say to him””. Acts 23:16,17 God rescued Paul from their plot, of which he wasn’t even aware, through his ‘young nephew’. The Holy Spirit/the Counsellor can and does use our everyday circumstances to speak and direct us.
The great, national prophet of Israel(a man who knew God as few others) after defeating the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, fled to Mount Horeb and met with the Lord. ‘God was not in the mighty wind, nor was He in the earthquake, nor was He in the fire but God was in the gentle whisper/still small voice’. 1 Kings 19:12
God’s answer to our problems may be something simple and practical like the young nephew who came to Paul and he was rescued. It may be in the whisper of God which we need to learn to hear. God will not always speak to us in dramatic ways. Humble ourselves and listen!
God bless and keep you today.