There is an interesting story in Acts 21:7-16.  In the passage Paul and his companions are staying with some believers in Caesarea, on their way to Jerusalem.  During their visit, Agabus (a prophet) took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says,’ ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”  When the believers heard Agabus’ prediction, they began to beg Paul not to go to Jerusalem.  Paul finally stopped them and made it clear that he was willing to be imprisoned, and even to die for the name of Jesus.  It is verse fourteen that I find particularly interesting.  “When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’”
 God’s people in Acts 21 responded to a revelation from him by running for cover.  It took Paul’s courageous response to call them out of the shadows.  Today, in the Valparaiso Church of Christ we need some Pauls.  We need some people, men and women, teenagers and elderly, who are willing to go forward no matter what God’s word says is ahead.  What will it take for us to say “The Lord’s will be done.”?  Remember, there are many people who say it, far fewer who mean it.  Are we willing to give the control of this church to God?  Are we ready to have Jesus own and lead his church?  We cannot imagine the blessings God will bring if we are.

Ethan