Reading
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the regions of Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit kept them from speaking the word in the province of Asia. When they approached the province of Mysia, they tried to enter the province of Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn’t let them. Passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas instead. A vision of a man from Macedonia came to Paul during the night. He stood urging Paul, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” Immediately after he saw the vision, we prepared to leave for the province of Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.
Acts 16:6-10
Reflection
Almost every teenager in my high school had a W.W.J.D. bracelet. It was a wildly popular accessory that Christians wore in the 90s and early 2000s as a reminder to ask, “What would Jesus do?” It encouraged us to think like Jesus—to pause and ask ourselves, what would Jesus do in this situation? What would Jesus say? How would Jesus respond?
A few years ago, a new bracelet appeared that some teenagers wear today: H.W.L.F., which stands for “He Would Love First.” Jesus consistently chose a posture of love and grace toward others. This bracelet reminds us not just to think like Jesus, but also to act like Jesus.
Both of these bracelets remind the wearer to yield to God’s way.
This past Sunday during worship, Pastor Brandon walked us through Paul’s second missionary journey, pointing out how Paul learned to yield to God’s direction. In today’s scripture, we see Paul following a plan he had made for himself, but then yielding to God’s will as the Holy Spirit led him and his companions to Macedonia. It’s possible that when Paul hit roadblocks in his plan, he was tempted to push forward and make his own way happen—but he didn’t. Instead, he listened for God’s direction and followed where God led.
Yielding to God can look different for different people and in different seasons. It might mean surrendering control in specific situations, adjusting our schedules, or making different decisions. But the purpose of yielding is greater than any loss we might experience—because in yielding to God, we receive God’s best as God leads the way.
Paul didn’t have a bracelet to remind him to think or act like Jesus, or to yield his plans to God—but we can use them as a helpful reminder. If you have an old W.W.J.D. bracelet, dig it out and wear it this week as a reminder to yield to God.
Prayer
Loving God, teach me to yield my plans to Yours, my will to Your way, and my pride to Your love. Help me love first, even when it costs me. Amen.
