Wednesday, May 24
Without hesitation
Scripture: Acts 11
Acts 11:12 The Spirit told me to accompany them without hesitation. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house.
Observation
Peter is called on the carpet for associating with Gentiles. He defends himself by telling the story of God’s activity (see yesterday on Acts 10). Part of God’s activity was the Spirit spoke to Peter and told him to go with these Gentile men “without hesitation” (or without doubting or debate). Acts 10:20
Why would Peter hesitate? Because this violated all his religious traditions and boundaries. When he had the vision of the sheet filled with unclean animals, his response to the command to kill and eat was, “Absolutely not! I’ve never done anything like that!” That would be his natural response to going with these Gentiles—“absolutely not.” So the Spirit told him to go “without hesitation—without debate or doubting.”
Application
First, I want to listen to the Spirit today. I believe that just as the Spirit spoke to Peter and others in Acts, He is still speaking to us today, directing and leading. I want to listen and obey—it’s what a disciple does.
Second, when the Spirit leads in uncomfortable ways—and He will—I want to obey without hesitation. I want to leave behind the inner debate, the doubting and foot dragging, and just obey. I can talk myself out of difficult obedience by my inner dialogue. But when the Spirit speaks, I don’t want to debate; I want to obey even when it’s uncomfortable.
Prayer: Lord, I love You. Help me today to listen for the Spirit’s voice, and do what He says without hesitation!
More: 2 Samuel 17-18, 2 Corinthians 8