Acts 5:35-39 – How do I know God’s will for my life?

Then he (Gamaliel) said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men! Some time ago there was that fellow Theudas, who pretended to be someone great. About 400 others joined him, but he was killed, and all his followers went their various ways. The whole movement came to nothing. After him, at the time of the census, there was Judas of Galilee. He got people to follow him, but he was killed, too, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case, I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:35-39)

My daughter’s sorority sisters called many moms, “Mama Bear.” We fought for our daughters with great power, our power + the power of the Holy Spirit. There’s no stopping a Christian mother!

In the same way, there’s no stopping Christians whose hearts burn with the desire to complete a project that God has initiated. If a purpose or activity is of human origin it is a failure in the eyes of God, even if that project helps someone. If the purpose or activity is from God, the power of the Holy Spirit is involved, and humans can’t stop it. Gamaliel gives examples of men who fought with their power. When they died, their cause died with them. Jesus, on the other hand, was the true Messiah. After His death, the apostles were driven by the Holy Spirit to continue His teachings.

We should evaluate our activities. 1) Does passion drive you to complete it? 2) Is it biblical? 3) Does it serve a purpose? 4) After consulting God are you still driven to complete it? If a project doesn’t meet all four of these criteria, it would probably be wise to strike it from your “to do” list.

Father God, I praise You because You have a perfect plan for my life. Place a burning desire in my heart for the projects You want me to do. I’m busy and stressed, Lord. Take my burden. Help me trim my “to do” list. I pray in Jesus’ precious and holy name. Amen

Acts 5:35-39 – How do I know God’s will for my life?

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