Positioning 

God on Monday
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The Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” So Philip ran up to it (Acts 8.29-30a).

Reflection

At some point in my spiritual journey, I began to pray for God’s positioning, not just for me, but for those I pray for. I started to pray that God would put us in the right place at the right time so that we could be a blessing to others.  Although I do not play chess, I sometimes imagine this positioning to be a bit like that game, as God fulfils a strategic plan. 

Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch can inspire confidence that God positions us as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our everyday lives. The Holy Spirit prompted Philip to head south down the desert road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza and to go walk alongside a chariot driven by the eunuch. The brave, surrendered, and obedient Philip engaged the eunuch in conversation; shared with him ‘the good news about Jesus’; baptized him; and then left him to go ‘on his way rejoicing’ (vs 35, 39). By the Holy Spirit, God positioned Philip. As a result, the work of the Kingdom of God was done.

But I wonder about Philip’s journey to obedience. He seems to go along with God’s plans so easily.  But did he ever push back, perhaps out of fear? Did he worry about what he might say to the eunuch and then about how to baptize him? 

We do not know. But we do know that we, like Philip, are on assignment and that the Holy Spirit will nudge us into the right position to fulfil that assignment.

We may not be called to the road between Jerusalem and Gaza, but we are called to the places in which we live and work. That is where we, like Philip, might meet a stranger, and be led to offer a word of comfort, clarity, laughter, or prayer.

This story is a welcome reminder that someone needs us; God uses us; and the Holy Spirit positions us. As a result, lives are changed, and people find joy.

Response

Let God position you this week. Even when you feel you are in familiar or predictable surroundings, be open to the Spirit’s promptings.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for your perfect plan; your perfect timing; and your perfect positioning. Go ahead of me this week into every place I tread. In my “Philip” moments, may I fulfil the work of your kingdom. Amen.

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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up here to receive each God on Monday instalment.

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