God's Plan Or Yours

Acts 9:22-25
"But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket."

Something strange was happening in Damascus. Something the Jews could not understand.
They were completely baffled -- here was Saul, their number one persecutor of the new Christian movement, who was now preaching, teaching and proving that "Jesus is the Christ" (verse 9:22). They were having difficulty arguing his message so they did the next best thing -- they tried to kill the messenger. Fortunately, Paul's followers saved his life by taking him at night and lowering him in a basket, through a hole in the city wall in order to escape to Jerusalem. You would almost think that came out of the morning news today.

It is interesting that the Book of Acts does not speak about mass conversions to Christianity as a result of Saul's preaching in Damascus (unlike Phillip in Samaria). I think the reason for this lies in verse 9:15 -- the Lord's instruction was for Saul to first carry the Lord's Name before the Gentiles, then their kings, and lastly the Jews. Saul began with the Jews, and as so often happens when we try to work for the Lord rather than doing the Lord's work -- it was a disaster. No one was converted -- they just wanted to kill him. God didn't want Saul in Damascus preaching to the Jews -- He wanted him somewhere else -- back on God's plan not Saul's plan.
Many times we think we know better than God where we need to go and what we need to do. Saul did and had more problems and troubles than he could handle as long as he was doing his plan. I am reminded of men I know who were preacher called into the ministry and failed miserably. Why they were working for the Lord not doing the Lord’s work. God did not call them man did. When God created each of us He had a plan and purpose in mind. If we work His plan we usually have greater success. When we work our plan well …..
Our own power or God's power -- how do we know the difference?
When we use our talents and gifts according to God's will, the result will always seem effortless and exceed the expectations of those around us. What have your results been recently? If you are having difficulty in Christian service you might want to consider where you are doing your will instead of God's will. Are you doing the Lord’s work or just working for the Lord?