My friend Bev recently changed her work schedule, freeing up more time for ministry.

One morning she prayed, “Lord, show me what you want me to do today.”

“Go to Walmart,” said the Lord.

“Walmart?” questioned Bev, “but I don’t need anything at Walmart.”

“Yes, Walmart,” responded the Lord. “Go, and I will show you when you get there.”

So Bev arrived at Walmart, still unsure of what would happen. 

“Where should I go, Lord?” 

“To the back of the store, the toy aisle,” came her answer.

There Bev encountered a distraught looking woman, softly weeping.

During the next 15 minutes, they talked. The Lord showed Bev what to say to encourage the woman’s heart and remind her that God was present. Before leaving, Bev prayed for the woman, and they shared a hug.

How glad she was she went to Walmart!

In Acts 8, we read of another divine appointment.

Philip had developed a fruitful ministry in Samaria. The people were seeing the miracles, healings, and deliverance from demons that followed Philip wherever he preached.

Many came to Christ, “and there was great joy in that city.” (v.8)

Philip likely wondered then, why one day God asked him to leave Samaria and go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza (v.26).

But Philip obeyed, taking this less travelled road. There he encountered the treasurer of Ethiopia, a Gentile, who had journeyed to Jerusalem in search of the things of God.

Philip met the man just as he was reading and puzzling over a prophecy about Jesus.

As Philip rode along in the man’s carriage, he shared the good news of Jesus with him. The man confessed, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” (v.37)

Stopping near some water, Philip baptized the man. Shortly thereafter, the man went on his way rejoicing!

I imagine Philip rejoiced as well, when he realized taking the desert road had led to this divine encounter.

When God said, “Go!” Philip didn’t question, didn’t argue, didn’t feel resentful because he was busy.

Philip went!

As he headed out on the less travelled road, he didn’t know what would lie ahead. But his obedience to “Go!” ultimately resulted in a stranger coming to faith in Christ!

When God says “Go!” . . . what will you do?

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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