Every Step of the Way
Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him. Acts 13:9
Have you ever stepped out in faith toward something or someone you knew the Holy Spirit was leading you to, only to face unexpected opposition right before reaching your breakthrough? It can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. But this type of resistance is not uncommon. In fact, you should expect it. The enemy is always working to stop what God has started. When he sees progress, he throws distractions, discouragement, or even people into the path to derail you. That’s why it’s so important to stay filled with the Spirit and focused on your mission.
In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas were on their first mission trip. Almost immediately, they faced opposition. It’s easy for us to read their story and think, “Of course there was trouble, there always was!” But think about how it must have felt in the moment. Paul and Barnabas had been obedient. They were doing exactly what God asked. They were set apart for ministry and prayed over by the elders of the Church and still, they hit resistance. But what stands out in this story is how they responded: Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronted the situation with courage and clarity. He didn’t back down. They were prepared spiritually before they ever stepped into the challenge.
Here’s what’s remarkable: their goal wasn’t to win an argument or prove a point. Their desire was to share the message of God’s love. Even in the face of opposition, their mission remained the same and that was to bring hope. When they followed the Holy Spirit’s leading, not only did the resistance get dealt with, but people saw the power of God and turned to Him in faith.
This passage shows us that challenges don’t mean you missed God. Most times it means you’re right where you should be. Just like Paul and Barnabas, you can stay the course with confidence, knowing that God is with you and will carry you through.
Here are a few practical ways to walk this out in your life:
- Start your day filled. Spend time in prayer and the Word each morning so that when challenges come, you’re not reacting out of emotion but responding in the Spirit.
- Pay attention to promptings. The Holy Spirit will lead you with inner peace or conviction. Follow those nudges, even when it’s uncomfortable.
- Expect resistance. Don’t be surprised when things get difficult. Instead, be ready. Opposition can actually be confirmation that you’re advancing.
- Respond with courage and grace. Like Paul, speak truth when necessary, but do it with the aim of pointing people to God, not winning a battle.
- Stay focused on the mission. Don’t get sidetracked by critics, obstacles, or delays. God will take care of what you can’t control.
To get started:
Set aside 10 minutes today to pray and ask God to fill you with His Spirit. Write down anything you feel Him saying or showing you. Then think of one area where you’ve been facing resistance. What would it look like to keep going anyway with courage, grace, and confidence that God is with you?
Today I want to encourage you not to let setbacks or resistance stop you from following what God has called you to do. Stay filled with His Spirit. Keep moving forward in faith. You’re not alone. He is with you every step of the way, equipping you to overcome to keep bringing light wherever you go. Let your life be a testimony of what happens when someone walks in step with God, no matter what obstacles you face.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 13:4-12
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.
6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.
8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?
11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.”
And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
Journal:
- Where have I faced resistance recently, and how can I respond like Paul, with boldness, wisdom, and faith in the power of the Holy Spirit?
The Daily Dose 