Divine Direction Part 3

Introduction

Pastor Mildford Watters “Trust the Process”

**Recap Part 1 & 2

Several sources indicate that adults make 35,000 remotely conscious decisions a day, a child 3,000

“Career Paralysis” Career paralysis is often the result of an overwhelming number of possibilities, and it is a phenomenon all too familiar to millennials in their twenties.

Acts 20:22-2

Acts 20:22–24 NIV

22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Promptings or leadings are a common experience for the Christian believer:

Promptings or leadings are a common experience for the Christian believer:

Simeon was “moved by the Spirit” to go into the temple where Joseph and Mary were dedicating Jesus to God ()

Jesus was “led by the Spirit” into the desert to be tempted by the devil ()

Paul was “compelled by the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem ()

Example: Pastor Mildford Watters “Trust the Process”

Today we are going to look at God’s process that you will see over and over again in Scripture: (4 things from our text this morning that are common in the process)

1. The Spirit’s Prompting

Acts 20:22 NIV

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

deō (to bind or to tie; to put under obligation)

pneuma (The Holy Spirit - sometimes referred to in a way which emphasizes his work and power)

In order to take a big step of faith you must learn to take a lot of little steps of faith. (deo ho pneuma)

Paul: It began on the Damascus road.

2. Certain Uncertainties

Acts 20:22 NIV

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

Sometimes we ask God to show us all the details, but God knows we can’t handle the details.

Ex: A Few Good Men (Jack Nicholas) “You can’t handle the truth!”

Psalm 119:105 NLT

105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

God never promised a spotlight to your future, but a light on your path.

“Career Paralysis” Career paralysis is often the result of an overwhelming number of possibilities, and it is a phenomenon all too familiar to millennials in their twenties.

Psalm 32:8 NLT

8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

We ask God to show us the whole plan, but He wants us to simply take step one, two, etc…

“If you’re not living with a little uncertainty then you’re not living with faith.”

“Pastor, what’s your plan for the future of the church?” My plan is to be obedient today! Our plan should be to be obedient today and let the Lord guide our steps!

3. Predictable Resistance

Acts 20:23 NIV

23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.

If you’re not ready to face opposition for your obedience to God then you’re not ready to be used by God!

Resistance—isn’t a sign you are out of God’s will, It might be an indication you are doing exactly what God wants you to do!

Resistance—isn’t a sign you are out of God’s will, It might be an indication you are doing exactly what God wants you to do!

Might be an indication you are doing exactly what God wants you to do!

4. Uncommon Confidence

Acts 20:24 NIV

24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Paul didn’t have a plan to succeed—his plan was to obey! Trust the process!

You may not be where you want to be ultimately!

You may not be where you want to be ultimately!

!

Not ready to be used by God

God needs to do something in you before He can do something through you!

Phil

Philippians 1:6 NLT

6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:5–6 NIV

5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.