Lenten Series: In Need of The Helper
Lent is a liturgical observance and season of reflection; not a biblical mandate. It is simply a time to remind ourselves and appreciate the abundant grace of Christ’s saving work on the cross. It is a time to press in deeper in submission to Christ’s authority as we prepare our hearts to celebrate, with exceedingly great joy, the resurrection that awaits every believer and follower.
In our Lenten daily devotionals, we will focus on our spiritual needs and desires and how the Helper is our Gift for strength and success if we will bow in greater submission to the authority of our King and the terms of His Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
Reflection: A Guide for Actions
Digging for Truth: The Helper brings special messages for us in order to guide our lives. He knows how and where to position us in order for us to be Christ’s hands, feet, and voice to the world. You may have plans to go to the store in the morning, but God may guide you, interrupt your morning plans, and reposition you in order for you to run into someone at the store who needs Christ in you that afternoon. The Helper plans faith encounters rich in grace.
We can get impatient or frustrated when the Helper moves in these ways. In fact, we may think this type of inconvenience is the work of evil rather than positioning us for the work of mercy and grace. When we give our lives to Jesus, we should expect this kind of guidance from the Helper. Our plans for action need to bow, because the Helper is the Guide for righteous actions that benefit God’s Kingdom.
Grace for the Heart: In our passage today, Saul (Paul) and Barnabas are serving the Lord at the church in Antioch. They have been ministering to the people there for about a year, but God is getting ready to send these two on their first missionary journey. The church needs these leaders, because it struggles to be a Light for the city and the work is not done. However, God has other plans for Saul and Barnabas now. The church cooperates with sending Saul and Barnabas, but it is the Lord guiding the action. Saul’s initial plan is to stay in Antioch, but God’s plan is to take him on a journey to touch many, many lives beyond Antioch needing an encounter with the Lord.
The Spirit Helper can only guide our lives when we are willing to give up our plans. He will position us in situations and orchestrate encounters when God’s will becomes an act of our will. Our biggest hindrance will be our individual desire for control. Remember, the Spirit-led life cannot be manipulated by human flesh. When you are unsure what to do, stop, pray, and be willing to fast your plans…wait until you receive clear guidance and then act.
Acts 13:2, 4 NLT 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
Paul’s First Missionary Journey
4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.
Challenge: Today is a day for special messages and encounters with the Lord. If you desire to be a part of God’s Kingdom work in the simple and ordinary tasks of life, the Helper will be there to guide your actions. It is an honor to share encouragement, love, compassion, and mercy with others. Darkness may be all around us, but the Light of Christ is waiting to be released through us touching one life at a time. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor” (James 4:10).
Prayer: Lord, break through our foggy and worldly minds to spiritually see our moments as you guide us to share your love. We make things difficult because we forget how you use each of us in different ways to plant seeds of faith in others as we trust in you. A smile and a kind word may be the encounter with Christ a stranger needs to turn toward Hope. We welcome you to change our plans. We ask for you to grant us patience and an open heart ready for guidance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.