The Touch of God: Becoming Vessels of His Purpose

Have you ever yearned to be used by God in a meaningful way? Perhaps you've whispered a prayer, asking the Lord to work through you to bring Him glory. Or maybe you've marveled at the incredible ways God has used people throughout Scripture and history, wondering if such experiences could ever be possible in your own life.

The story of Philip in Acts 8:26-40 offers profound insights into how God touches and uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. This passage reveals two key elements that made Philip an effective instrument in God's hands: he was in touch with the Spirit, and he was in touch with the Word.

Being in Touch with the Spirit

The narrative begins with an angel of the Lord instructing Philip to journey south on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. Without hesitation, Philip "rose and went." Later, when the Spirit prompted him to approach an Ethiopian eunuch's chariot, Philip ran to it. These seemingly small details are actually crucial. They highlight Philip's immediate obedience to divine guidance.

Often, when we think about being used by God, we focus on the miraculous outcomes rather than the simple act of obedience that precedes them. Yet, it's precisely this willingness to listen and act that opens the door for God to work through us. Philip's sensitivity to the Spirit's guidance, coupled with his readiness to obey, made him an effective vessel for God's purpose.

Being in Touch with the Word

When Philip encountered the Ethiopian eunuch reading from the book of Isaiah, he was prepared to explain the scriptures and share the good news about Jesus. This readiness didn't come by chance. Prior to this divine appointment, Philip had spent time studying and living out God's Word. His deep knowledge of Scripture enabled him to answer the eunuch's questions and lead him to faith in Christ.

This aspect of Philip's story underscores the importance of being grounded in God's Word. It's not enough to simply hear the Spirit's prompting; we must also be equipped with the truth of Scripture to effectively minister to others.

The Simple Yet Challenging Path

The encouraging truth is that there's no complex formula for being used by God. It's simpler than we might imagine: we need to press into God, listen for His voice, and obey when He speaks. However, this simplicity doesn't mean it's easy. It requires making hard decisions about how we spend our time and what we prioritize in our lives.

Choosing to align ourselves with God often comes at a cost. We may need to reevaluate our priorities, letting go of worldly pursuits to make room for spiritual growth. Yet, as Jesus reminds us, His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:30). The cost of following Christ, while real, pales in comparison to the joy and fulfillment found in serving Him.

Redefining Our Walk with Christ

Too often, we misunderstand what it means to walk with Christ. We may hope that a life of faith will primarily result in material blessings, professional success, or harmonious relationships. While God certainly cares about these aspects of our lives, the heart of discipleship lies elsewhere.

Consider this: How many of us wake up each day asking God to open our eyes to the people He's placed in our path who desperately need to hear the gospel? How many of us seek the strength and grace to boldly and compassionately share God's truth with others?

The joy of evangelism comes from being able to impart to others the truths we've spent our lives learning from God. The more we press into Him and yearn for His truth, the more natural and fulfilling it becomes to share that truth with others.

A Challenging Perspective

D.L. Moody once encountered a man who claimed to have been "on the Mount of Transfiguration" for five years. When Moody asked how many souls he had won to Christ during that time, the man couldn't answer. Moody's response was pointed: "When a man gets so high that he cannot reach down and save others, there is something wrong."

This anecdote serves as a powerful reminder that our spiritual growth should never isolate us from the needs of those around us. True spirituality always leads us back into the world, equipped to serve and share God's love with others.

A Poetic Call to Action

George MacDonald's poem beautifully captures the tension between our desire for comfort and God's call to engage with a broken world:

"I said, 'Let me walk in the field.'

He said, 'No, walk in the town.'

I said, 'There are no flowers there.'

He said, 'No flowers, but a crown.'"

The poem goes on to describe a dialogue between the speaker and God, with God gently but firmly directing the speaker away from the peaceful fields and into the bustling, sin-filled town. It's a powerful metaphor for the Christian life, reminding us that our calling often leads us into challenging situations where we can be agents of God's love and truth.

Embracing the Touch of God

As we reflect on Philip's story and these challenging perspectives, we're invited to examine our own lives. Are we truly pressing into God, seeking to know Him more deeply? Are we listening for His voice and responding with immediate obedience? Are we equipping ourselves with the knowledge of His Word so that we're ready to share it with others?

The touch of God isn't reserved for a select few in history. It's available to all who are willing to yield their lives fully to Him. When we align ourselves with God's purposes, making ourselves available as instruments in His hands, we open the door to experiences that are both profoundly simple and incredibly transformative.

May we all be inspired to press in, listen up, and step out in faith, allowing the touch of God to work through us in ways we never thought possible.