Acts 21

Have you ever had someone tell you what God's will is or try to manipulate God's calling on your life? Here's the fact: God sometimes uses people to help direct you in the way you should go or spark some kind of interest in your life but unless God reveals things to you, no one can tell you God's will for your life. If God says something to someone else, I'm sure He will let you know!

Or maybe you have someone discouraging you from doing what you feel God has called you to do. Don't be discouraged because it happens a lot. In fact, it happened in Acts 21. Starting in verse 10 it says, "A prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, 'The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, 'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, 'The Lord's will be done.'"

The people tried to discourage Paul from doing what He felt God calling him to do. However, Paul was willing and ready to die for the name of Jesus Christ. Family and friends may try to persuade you to stay close to them when and if God calls you elsewhere. People will discourage you from selling everything and being bold in your faith, following Jesus wholeheartedly. People will claim you need to get educated, a good job, raise a solid family, etc. All those are great things and that may be what God wants you to do, but don't let those things distract you if you feel God is calling you to do missions or ministry elsewhere. Apostle Jamie Englehart says, "Unhealthy family ties resulted in Jonathan dying in battle next to Saul instead of dinning in royalty next to David. Loyalty to family comes second to loyalty to the Kingdom!" We should never discourage people from doing what they believe God has called them to do. "The Lord's will be done" should be our first response, not our last. God will lead you but you must be willing to follow where ever and whenever! Be bold and trust. God never forsakes those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10).