Recommendations That Break My Heart

[S] Acts 21:4 --
 ⁴After looking up the disciples, we stayed there seven days; and they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem.
 ¹³Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."  ¹⁴And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, "The will of the Lord be done!"

[O] Paul's disciples urged him to not enter Jerusalem and these weren't simply their own opinions but the conviction they received through the Spirit.  As a leader Paul must've been struggling to discern because of their sincere recommendation in the Spirit.  It is one thing to discern more of a self-centered comments but when you know your friends or brothers/sisters in Christ share their godly, prayerful, and genuine hearts it is a whole new story.  In the midst of his torn heart, Paul proclaims his own convictions to which others "amens" and supports him wholeheartedly.  Paul's conviction did not come overnight and he was well aware of what he was walking in to and yet trusted God's leadership completely.  This must've shown through to others.

[A] What a model to follow after in living my own life -- filled with conviction to drive after a purposeful life much more than just passing through each day.  Even through some tough decision-making moments, I need to have a clear purpose for my life so I can stay on track for what God had called me to carry out.  This is particularly true these days as I ponder on how I have led my children thus far, whether I should have taken a different path or not.  Instead of wavering with surrounding influences/suggestions, I want to stick to the conviction God has laid on my heart.

[P] Dear Jesus, once again Your perfect timing of guiding my heart through You word is so awesome.  Paul's conviction seen through his own struggling moments before entering Jerusalem is so powerfully ministering to me this morning.  Thank you for giving me this role model to follow after.  I want to be moved by You and You alone to live out my purposeful life here on earth.  In Your name.  Amen.