"And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, "The will of the LORD be done!" Acts 21:14
THERE is an old saying that says "unguarded strength is double weakness". This is very applicable in the situation of Paul. It is without a doubt that in every place he ministered, Paul was a builder of authentic relationships. This was not just because of charisma; the authentic relationships that Paul built created deep emotional and spiritual impacts on people. It is no wonder that when he left Ephesus, the church Elders wept and reluctantly released Him to do the will of God.
While these relationships are blessings in themselves, they have the potential to block someone who wants to obey God. When the people learned through the Prophet Agabus that Paul would surely suffer if he proceeded to Jerusalem, they all begged Paul to stay.
Paul was steadfast, unmoved by the tears of the ones he loved since he knew he had heard from God through the Spirit. Agabus’ prophecy was not a warning to him but the confirmation of what God had told him earlier. Acts 20:22-23 is the record of God's direction to Paul.
No details were made available except that he would go to Jerusalem where bonds of prison awaited him. This is a timely reminder to us who use the term God's will lightly!
The next time we say it, remember to have reverence before God. He does not negotiate His will. In fact, the reason we pray is not to bend his will but for us to bow to His purpose.
The missing link between the relationships we have built over time and “the will of God” is the word: discernment... a Holy Spirit-endowed sensitivity to see through the veneer of the ordinary, seeing clearly the difference between what is good and godly... choosing to hear and obey the voice of God over the popular and powerful voices of people whose opinions are influential.
Paul triumphed over those voices thus leading them to be silent and in solemn surrender, submitted to the will of God!
With these, I would like to highlight these spiritual insights regarding discerning relationships and the will of God.
First, the voice of the majority who are not listening to God cannot accept the will of God. It is in prayer and Scripture that God's people seek and discern the will of God.
Second, the focus and faith of those who have heard God, though in the minority, can influence the majority.
Lastly, the will of God is constant and non-negotiable. What is defective is not God's will but people who assume they know God's will without taking time to seek God in prayer and in His word.
When they all opted to be silent (re Acts 21:14) and remarked that the Lord's will be done, only then did the tension cease and mutual relief took over.
The advantages of being silent are the following: It gives opportunity to confront biases; it clears the blocks from those who want to obey God.
Releasers are those whose loyalty is to God and saying goodbye is to let go of someone who wants to obey God... these build deeper authentic friendships. Make it a prayer not to be an obstacle to anyone who wants to do God's will.
Remember, in the process of hearing God's voice, we need all the other voices to lead us to obedience but the moment God's voice is heard, stubbornly mute the other voices and be on your Jerusalem.
I write straight from a heart that sensitively desires to hear His voice, and stubbornly resists other voices.