Scripture: After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:10 (emphasis added)
Observation: Out of the blue, the narrative of Acts changes to ... first person! Luke joined Paul here, at Troas.*
Application: This is just one of those nuggets I like discovering. Sometimes I think I discover these things because of my training in English literature.
My college degree is in English Lit. Not one single moment since I graduated from college have I been paid a nickel to do anything related to my actual degree. While certainly my writing ability has served me well in business, my career has been in banking, IT consulting, and government. In fact, the only time I ever put into practice my knowledge of literary critical theory, literary interpretation, or critical analysis is when reading the Bible (or helping my kids with homework).
I am amazed how - at the time in my life when I had abandoned God - he was actively preparing me as a disciple. I LOVE that fact ... the idea that maybe I wasn't as in control of my life as I pretended, but that God was there the entire time!!! I turned my back, and he held onto me; I ran away, and he pursued; I shouted in anger, and he whispered his love; I made grand plans, and he laid straight an entirely different road.
Prayer: I will never, ever be able to say this enough, Lord: Thank you for loving me first! When I hated you, you loved me, and for all eternity I will worship you. Even when I was far from you, you prepared me for your purpose here on earth. Please lead me into that purpose so my work may glorify your name.
* To confirm, I did some internet research, and the Catholic Encyclopedia at newadvent.org agrees with my conclusion that Luke did, in fact, first join with Paul at Troas, though Luke is likely from Antioch and may have known Paul there.
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