Day #363 The Path of Most Resistance—Bible Reading Plan - Denise Pass

The Path of Most Resistance

Sometimes we want to avoid problems and hindrances, yet sometimes it might be the path of most resistance that leads us to a place of the most fruitfulness in our own lives. Don’t pray for no problems. Pray for perseverance and strength to be faithful in those problems that God may be glorified.

Bible Reading: Acts 27-28

I imagine we all can identify with Paul on some level with the shipwreck he encountered when he ended up on the island of Malta.

I personally identify because I am married to a man whose ancestry lineage is to the isle of Malta.

But actually, I daresay we are all a bit unsettled in the wake of the pandemic this year. Like an uncertain storm that swept out of nowhere, we are looking for safe harbor.

And Paul found safe harbor even as the wind and the waves swirled around him.

The Path of Most Resistance—Safe in the Eye of the Storm

Acts 27:14

14 But before long, a fierce wind called the “northeaster” rushed down from the island. 15 Since the ship was caught and unable to head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 After running under the shelter of a little island called Cauda, we were barely able to get control of the skiff. 17 After hoisting it up, they used ropes and tackle and girded the ship. Fearing they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the drift-anchor, and in this way they were driven along.

18 Because we were being severely battered by the storm, they began to jettison the cargo the next day. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 For many days neither sun nor stars appeared, and the severe storm kept raging. Finally all hope was fading that we would be saved. 21 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul then stood up among them and said, “You men should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete and sustain this damage and loss.

The Path of Most Resistance—Finding Courage during Hindrances

22 Now I urge you to take courage, because there will be no loss of any of your lives, but only of the ship. 23 For last night an angel of the God I belong to and serve stood by me 24 and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. It is necessary for you to appear before Caesar. And indeed, God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.’ 25 So take courage, men, because I believe God that it will be just the way it was told to me. 26 But we have to run aground on some island.”

The Path of Most Resistance—Trusting When God Redirects

Paul was headed to Rome. And he ended up in Malta.

Sometimes we have our goals and we have our destination in sight, but God’s plans lead us elsewhere.

Can we trust God when the storms surge? Can we trust God when our course changes? God leads and He also intervenes.

The Path of Most Resistance—Leads to a place of peace

Through the shipwreck, the viper’s bite, all of the turmoil . . . led Paul to unhindered ministry. Those are beautiful words, friends. Resistance is a common theme that is experienced by those who want to serve God faithfully. We have to persevere. Who knows? We might enjoy a respite like Paul

“30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”

The Path of Most Resistance—Stay Faithful

Paul was faithful in times of resistance or hindrances. And He was faithful when there were none. Sometimes we can get lazy when there are no hindrances. But we need to have our game face on at all times. God will provide rest when we need it.

You all ready for 2021? It’s coming like a freight train. Frankly, 2020 was such a mixed bag of blessing and hardship for me. I was not ready for all it brought, but God was. The path of most resistance might not be what we asked for, but God gave us strength for it and He is enough.

Scripture of the Day: Acts 28:24

“Some were persuaded by what he said, but others did not believe.”

Paul was not called to achievements or numbers. He was called to faithfulness. Faithfulness in times of trouble and peace. Everyone did not love him and he suffered much because of the message he carried. But he was faithful.

Application

• Will we be faithful in the new year? Have we been faithful to the mission this past year?
• The path of most resistance might be used to prepare us for God’s purposes in our lives. Trust God even when hindrances stand in our way. 
• Don’t lose heart when there is resistance or hindrances. God is still making a way where there seems to be no way.

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘁 12 𝗽𝗺 𝗘𝗧.

Day #363 Acts 27-28

𝒱𝑒𝓇𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝓎: Acts 28:24

“Some were persuaded by what he said, but others did not believe.”

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