2 Then fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem again, this time with Barnabas; and Titus came along, too. 2 I went there because God revealed to me that I should go. While I was there I met privately with those considered to be leaders of the church and shared with them the message I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement, for fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I was running the race for nothing.
Galatians 2:1-2
Dear God, I’m going to start with this passage because I have something that struck me when I read it this morning, but I want to move after that into something that is vexing me. A problem I don’t know how to resolve.
First, with this passage, I like the fact that Paul subjected himself to authority and the leaders of the church while he was in Jerusalem. The last sentence of verse two is great: “I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement, for fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I was running the race for nothing.” This makes it sound like Paul went into his meetings with them with an open mind and prepared to hear from you through them that he was doing it wrong. Now, he wasn’t and all was well, but I appreciate what he’s doing there.
I guess that leads me into my dilemma. I have someone in crisis whom I want to help, but I don’t know how to reasonably do it. There are some psychological needs here that are beyond what I know how to address. There are also physical needs. I also have responsibilities for others that are impacted by my response to this situation. Holy Spirit, I really need your counsel right now. I need you. This person needs you. Actually, I’ve got a few people who need you right now. I have a couple of friends who are really struggling as well, and I think their problems are psychological and deep.
Father, I’ve got these situations that need your sovereignty. Holy Spirit, I need you to whisper in my ear and tell me what to do. Jesus, we all need your mercy and grace. We need your teaching and example. Move in all these situations beyond what I’m able to see or understand. Move through me, even if it unintentional or by accident.
I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,
Amen
