In a culture where we measure success by the numbers (likes, approvals, follows, reached), what does it look like to measure our success by obeying God even in the uncertainty?
One of the stories, that highlights success not in terms of numbers but having a heart of obedience to God is the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
Philip was a believer, and he was being used in Samaria to proclaim the gospel to the Samaritans after a great persecution erupted in Jerusalem scattering the believers (Acts 8:1).
A vivid scene is painted as Philip is preaching to a crowd and everyone’s attention is captured by the words he spoke and the miracles he performed. People were being healed from impure spirits, paralysis and a city erupting with joy at experiencing these miracles. (Acts 8:5-8)
Then, imagine being called from all of that to a desert road.
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. - Acts 8:26
Philip did not rely on his own understanding to try to figure out why he should leave the crowd, where many miracles were happening to a quiet desert road.
Instead, he obeyed and went.
Then, on that road, a chariot appeared. An Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. (Acts 8:27-28)
Who led Philip to the chariot?
And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So, Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. – Acts 8:29-31
A key insight from the eunuch’s response is that just reading will not bring clarity. He was seeking understanding for what he was reading. Philip was brought to this place to explain to him the meaning.
Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:
“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter
and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he opens not his mouth.
In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth.”And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?”
Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus.
Acts 8:32-35
The prophecy that the eunuch was reading pointed to the death of Jesus, that He would die on this earth for our sins. Philip was led to this desert road to bring the gospel to this man, who was already seeking answers.
The man’s heart was open to respond to the gospel as he asked to be baptized and after being baptized, he went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:36-39).
The Holy Spirit provided an opportunity for Philip to bring understanding for one. Reflecting on this passage, it is a reminder what it looks like to trust God and go where He leads. Many times, we may wonder why God had led us outside of the crowd to go reach the one. We may ask why He led us to that job, school, or that neighborhood, but He has a greater purpose. We are called to trust Him with all our heart and not lean on our understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Like the apostle Paul, we need to pray for God to open doors and bring opportunities to proclaim the gospel (Colossians 4:3).
Prayer: Thank you for the hope you give me through Jesus. I pray to go where you call me to go. I pray not to rely on my own understanding, but to trust you and submit all my ways to you. I pray to be used by you to bring the truth of the gospel to others who are seeking hope.
Graceful Strides 