September 18

Acts 28

Paul finally arrives in Rome after a harrowing journey by sea.

INSIGHT

Our lives are a constant struggle between our own wills and the will of God. The circumstances of God’s will are often strange and enigmatic; they do not always make sense. However, His will is being worked out even in ways we cannot see or understand. When we relinquish control of our lives and yield to God’s will, then peace, love, and joy will characterize our lives. Paul must have wondered from time to time how shipwreck and imprisonment were working into God’s will; yet with historical perspective, we can see that good came of these events. In the words of the old hymn, we must: “Trust and obey, for there´s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

PRAYER

Thank the Lord and praise Him because He is good and can be trusted:
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting,
You are God….
Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!
(Psalm 90:1-2, 14)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye. (Psalm 32:8)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Faithfulness with your finances
• Revival in America
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)