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Scripture
Acts 8:29-30 (NIV) 29 The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it." 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.

Observation
Yesterday I read about an awesome hero of the faith, Stephen. Today Luke moves on to share a story about Philip, another apostle who God used powerfully to spread the Gospel outside of Jerusalem. This whole encounter has many implications... being open to God moving you to another ministry even when your present one is successful, being ready at all times to explain your faith and the scriptures to an unbeliever, the influence we can have by reaching people we encounter who are from other parts of the country or the world... the list goes on. The one thing that stood out to me this time I read it was that when the Spirit said "Go", Philip RAN. He didn't walk, he didn't mosey, he didn't meander... he RAN! Now, the Spirit didn't say "run to the chariot", or even "go quickly to the chariot. He just said "Go." The Spirit didn't say "go witness to this guy"... He said "Go hang out by the chariot" Philip had such enthusiasm and such a desire to respond to everything God directed him to do... he also understood the sense of urgency for the mission Christ had given them and the boldness it would require to carry out. Philip was also astute.... he observed and assessed the situation (quickly) before deciding how to engage with the eunich. Since he was already showing an interest in the scriptures, Philip skillfully began where the man was, and didn't just dive in to share Jesus with him in a way that was completely unconnected to where God was already leading him. These are just a few of the lessons from this story.... what a rich passage for us to go back to again and again!

Application
God has really been speaking to me lately about being a more effective personal evangelist. I've talked to people about Christ from time to time, and I've even prayed with one or two who wanted to accept Jesus in the last couple of years. But I've spent so much time between ministry and home that my own personal evangelism has been pushed out of my life. That's starting to change, and I'm seeing the world differently now. I'm seeing opportunities to connect with people as do everyday things, and I'm starting to look and listen more so God can use me to share him with someone else. This story is a real encouragement and a real challenge to me. Is the Spirit speaking to me and saying "Go hang out over there and see what happens" and I'm too busy rushing around to hear him? When I do get that "God tug" on my heart, do I run TO it or run AWAY from it? My goal is to have the AWARENESS, RESPONSIVENESS, and BOLDNESS that Philip showed in this story as a walk through the world each day.

Prayer
Lord forgive me for all the opportunities you gave me and I missed. Thanks for being patient with me. Teach me and prepare me so I can respond to people where they are. Open my eyes to the opportunities you provide me every day, and give me the courage to respond immediately and boldly. Thanks for not giving up on me!