Sometimes, we have to get out of our own way. Other times, we have to get out of God’s way.

Yesterday we considered three life lessons:
1. Get out of God’s way.
2. Stay out of God’s way.
3. Join God on The Way. 

Acts 13 tells us about a man who got in God’s way. He was “a false prophet named Bar-Jesus.” He was connected to an intelligent man who was the governor of Paphos and who wanted to hear God’s word from Barnabas and Paul. “But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his name means in Greek), interfered and urged the governor to pay no attention to what Barnabas and Saul said. He was trying to keep the governor from believing.”

Elymas God in God’s way. This is a precarious perch. Notice what happened next.

Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye.
Then he said, “You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord?
Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time.”
Instantly mist and darkness came over the man’s eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him.
(verses 9-11)

Pay attention to the order of operations:

1. Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit. In other words, he was in full alignment and attunement with God’s will and way.
2. Paul spoke God’s truth and declared what would happen next.
3. What God said through Paul happened immediately.
4. When the governor “saw what happened, he became a believer, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord,” (verse 12). 

He who claimed special sight became blind so that true insight could come to the one who sought it, welcomed it, and received it. He who got in God’s way and led others astray begged “for someone to take his hand and lead him,” (verse 11).

The most dangerous place to stand is between God and someone he loves. 

The most solid ground on earth is that place where we seek to know and experience God for who he is.

The governor joined God on The Way. 

We considered three ideas yesterday regarding how to apply what we learned. These ideas are worth pondering afresh today.

1. Am I in God’s way?
2. When and how do I most often get in God’s way?
3. Am I walking with God in The Way now?

Southwest Airlines had an entertaining set of commercials with the tagline, “Wanna get away?” Let’s repurpose their advertisements with a thought to reflect on.

Where is God leading me today?

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I will join God on his way for me today.

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Our Father, show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul (Psalm 143:8). Direct my steps. Empower me for every encounter. Use me to help others see with your sight. Amen.