When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, "Let the will of the Lord be done."
Acts 21:12-14

How do you respond when someone brings you a word that they are certain is a warning or direction from God? What if all the people you know and whose opinions you value agree with that word?

Everywhere he went there were godly people who prophesied over Paul, warning him not to go to Jerusalem, that if he did he would surely be imprisoned or worse. Even Paul’s traveling companions, his fellow missionaries, tried to get him to change his plans.

There had been other times when Paul avoided going to certain places by the Holy Spirit’s leading. There were times when the local believers hustled him out of town to save his life and to avoid trouble for the church. But this time was different; Paul had made a promise to the Lord that he would be in Jerusalem by a certain date, and he was determined to keep that promise.

Certain of his direction from God, Paul received the counsel and the prophetic utterances as truly being from God, but he took them as warnings of what awaited him, not as divine commands to change his course.

The predictions came true; when he got there he was beaten nearly to death by a mob and then arrested. But because of all these warnings he knew what was coming and could face it with courage and determination, instead of fear and confusion.

Get your guidance directly from God. Believe and obey His written Word; He will never guide you contrary to that. But take everything else, whether it’s wise advice or prophecy as “grist for the mill.”

Lord, You gave me Your Holy Word, written in a book. I know there are many counselors and advisors who may also bring me good advice, but I am Your disciple. Lead me; give me wisdom and correction in all my choices, by Your Spirit. I know I can trust You. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles