Acts 21:13-14 (ESV) – 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.”

Have you ever reached a point with a situation where you said, “It’s in the Lord’s hands”? This usually comes in a situation where you have done all you can and reach the end of your ability. Maybe it’s a test you’ve studied for or job interview you’ve prepped to ace. It could be preparing an event or even pleading with a friend or loved one to do something. At some point, you reach the end of your influence or ability. All you can do is trust the Lord’s will.

This is the subject of our passage today. We read an intimate encounter that Paul has with the elders in the church at Ephesus. He loved them. They loved him. They spent time with each other and labored together in building the church there. Now he is meeting with them with what he, and they, believe will be the final time. Paul is heading to Jerusalem where he anticipates jail, beatings, or death. They shed tears as they say their goodbyes. We read Paul’s response, “’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.’”

Notice Paul’s response. He doesn’t want them distraught over his fate. He is ready to go to jail or even die for the sake of his testimony of Christ. There is no hesitation to take the consequences that may bring. The elders of Ephesus and companions of Paul try to persuade him, but he’s immovable. They finally stop trying and simply put it in God’s hands. “Let the will of the Lord be done.” This is no fatalistic remark. It is a sign of trust. They don’t want Paul to subject himself to danger, but Paul is convinced his going is of the Lord. So they resign their cautions to the Lord’s wisdom. If the Lord wants to preserve Paul, He will. If it is His will that Paul go to jail or die, then that will happen. They stop trying to control Paul and give it to God. 

What do you need to give to God today?

I imagine all of us have things with which we need to trust the Lord’s will to be done. We can work hard to make informed and strategic decisions. We should do that. But ultimately, we must put all things in the Lord’s hands and trust His will.

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Reflection & Journal:
- What role does our wisdom and experience play in decision-making?
- Why is it okay to “trust the will of the Lord” when you fear something isn’t going to go the way you want?
- How do you need to apply this in your own circumstances today?