Lesson Two: Start Following God’s Instructions

Acts 8:27 So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was now returning.

Someone once said that the journey of a million miles starts with one step. Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit starts the same way. It’s important to hear what the Spirit says, but then you must follow it up with application. When Philip received his message from the angel, he did not stop and write a book about 27 ways to hear from an angel. He did not establish an organization to honor helpful angels. Instead he actually did what the angel instructed him to do. When God gives us instruction, that instruction is to be followed. Revelation is not given just to be memorized or mark you as super spiritual. Philip heard and applied what the angel told Him to do.

Never underestimate the process of starting now. Too many people have too many excuses. Well I will start following God when I am older. I will start when I am more educated, when I have more money, when I get married, or when I get more time. Do you know the key to hearing God’s next step for your life? The key to hearing the next step is to take the first step. Philip heard the voice of God and started out immediately.
The best time to following the instruction of God is today. Decide you will start following God’s instructions today no matter what.

• Start…even though the start seems small.

Don’t despise the day of small beginnings. Zachariah 4:10

Philip started out going a direction that God told Him to go. On the surface this was no big deal. He was just taking small steps of obedience and He ran into the servant of a Queen. Now this becomes a big deal. Why? This small step becomes a huge deal because Phillip is about to witness to the person who has personal interaction with a ruler of part of the world. God uses small steps to accomplish big things in His kingdom so never underestimate the power of a God-ordained step.

• Start…even though you don’t know the next step.

Understanding is not required for obedience. Sometimes your understanding or lack there of will keep you from doing what God wants you to do. Philip did not know what the next step would be or where it would lead Him. Many times God does not give you all the answers. He just says follow.

• Start…even though you don’t know the destination

Philip did not know His destination. The angel just said start and God used him along the way. Some of you are wondering, “Why does God have me in this job I am in? Why does God have me in this season of life that I have to endure? This is not my dream nor is it my desire.” Realize that God often does His best work in us during the journey, not upon the arrival. An interesting study through the New Testament is to notice how many of the miracles took place on the way to and from places of ministry, not just at the specific meetings themselves.

Today’s Challenge: Listen carefully to what the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart and then immediately put it into practice. The key to hearing the next word from the Holy Spirit is tied to obeying His last word.