September 25
Bible Reading: Acts 18:12-21
Acts 18:21, “But on taking leave of them he said, ‘I will return to you if God wills,’ and he set sail from Ephesus.”
I regularly take Muki to the park. She adores car rides, sitting in the passenger seat with her head out the window and occasionally pawing at my arm, signaling for a belly rub. It wouldn’t make sense to switch roles—she doesn’t know how to drive or navigate. I’m her guide, and she’s content to follow wherever I lead. Reflecting on this dynamic, I thought about my own life and decisions: who is really in the driver’s seat? Am I guided by God’s will, or am I driving on my own terms?
When departing from Ephesus, Paul said, “I will return to you if God wills” (Acts 18:21). Notice that he didn’t consult his calendar, seek approval from the missionary committee, or poll his friends. He expressed his desire to return but left the decision entirely to God’s direction. Paul was committed to following God’s will, no matter where it led him. Later, he emphasized the importance of this perspective, describing God’s will to be “good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
It’s been said that a believer’s success equates to knowing and doing God’s will. But how can we discern it? The Word of God, the inner prompting of the Spirit, wise counsel, and even circumstances all play a role. Yet none of these matter if our hearts aren’t fully engaged (Romans 12:1). James warns against planning for the future without first seeking God’s guidance, calling such an approach arrogant. He reminds us, “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15). Though thought-provoking and convicting, this was Paul’s approach, and the impact of his obedience to God’s will is evident in the spiritual prosperity he helped bring to so many lives.
“The will of God — nothing less, nothing more, nothing else.” ― F.E. Marsh
TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
let them flow in endless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.
LookingtoJesus 