In what ways can we be more open to divine appointments like Philip? Setting the Scene: Philip’s Example “So he started out, and on his way he encountered an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship” (Acts 8:27). Philip did not create this meeting; God orchestrated it. Philip’s role was simply to be available, attentive, and obedient. Cultivating a Readiness to Hear • Stay filled with Scripture. Acts 8:35 shows Philip “beginning with this Scripture” as he shared the gospel—he was fluent in God’s Word. • Keep ears tuned to the Spirit. Acts 8:29 records, “The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go over to that chariot and stay by it.’” Compare John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice.” • Maintain an obedient posture. Philip “ran up” (Acts 8:30), echoing Psalm 119:60: “I hurried and did not delay to keep Your commandments.” Practical Steps to Position Ourselves 1. Clear the calendar margin • Jesus often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16). Solitude sharpens spiritual hearing. • Leave room for interruptions—divine appointments rarely fit neatly into schedules. 2. Pray daily for sensitivity • Ask the Lord, “Here am I. Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). • Invite the Spirit to highlight people and situations needing a gospel touch. 3. Live alert to people around you • Philip noticed the eunuch reading Isaiah. Similarly, Colossians 4:5 urges, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, redeeming the time.” • Genuine curiosity opens doors: a kind question, a listening ear. 4. Obey promptings immediately • Delay often quenches the moment (1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Trust God to handle details you can’t see. 5. Hold resources loosely • Philip left a thriving revival in Samaria (Acts 8:5-8) to reach one man. • Be willing to adjust comfort, plans, or money for Kingdom opportunities. Guarding the Heart Against Obstacles • Fear of awkwardness—2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us God gives “power, love, and self-control.” • Prejudice or assumptions—James 2:1 warns against partiality; God’s assignments may cross cultural lines. • Self-reliance—Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to trust, not lean on our own understanding. Trusting God with the Results Philip baptized the eunuch, after which “the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away” (Acts 8:39). He never saw the long-term outcome, but church history suggests the eunuch carried the gospel to Africa. Our task: faithful obedience; God handles the harvest (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Encouragement for the Journey • Every day holds God-prepared works (Ephesians 2:10). • The same Spirit who guided Philip indwells believers today (Romans 8:11). • As we listen, step out, and trust, divine appointments become a normal rhythm of life. |
    |