It Starts Small

I think some of us, many of us can understand Paul had a difficult time with letting go of control. Paul would be considered a “type-A” personality. He was a high achiever. People like Paul have a sever weakness. They assume they could achieve everything by themselves because everything is in their control. There is a real difference between confidence and arrogance.

Today we find Paul before the Sanhedrin. There was so much uproar and chaos that Paul’s life was at risk. Seeing the chaos, the Roman commander removed Paul from the situation to the military barracks. Which parts of this story was Paul in control of?

Later, a group of Jews decided to scheme a plan to kill Paul.

But the son of Paul’s sister, hearing about their ambush, came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul.

Acts 23:16

The Roman commander was informed of this plan. Which part of this was Paul in control over?

Paul was then escorted by 200 soldiers, 70 horseman, and 200 spearmen to Caesarea Maritima. Once more, where was Paul in control?

Paul completely passive. He was not in control. He did not need to be. Why?

God was in control and had already given Paul His Word.

The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Have courage! For as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so it is necessary for you to testify in Rome.”

Acts 23:11

Things unfolded exactly as God has spoken. Through a series of twists and turns, Paul ended up in Rome. He was safe and doing exactly what God said He would be doing.

Paul did not need to be in control. God was in control. When God is in control you can know and trust you are safe.

 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

Philippians 1:6

When Paul was in Rome, he wrote to the Philippian church and I wonder if the experience that got him from Jerusalem to Rome was what he was thinking of when he wrote, “he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Maybe he was thinking back to his early days after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus to where he was now in Rome.

Friends, it is time to let go of egos. It is time to let go of pride. We do not need to do everything by ourselves. Let God work in your environment and through others to achieve His purpose in you. Be humble. Learn to receive with gratitude and remember, you do not need to be in control.

Thoughts to Ponder:

• Think of a time God used others to help you when you were not in control.
• What did you learn?

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.