Acts 21:1-14 NKJV

[1] Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. [2] And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. [3] When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there, the ship was to unload her cargo. [4] And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. [5] When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. [6] When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home. [7] And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. [8] On the next day, we, who were Paul’s companions, departed and came to Caesarea and entered the house of Philip, the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. [9] Now, this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. [10] And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. [11] When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ” [12] Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. [13] Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” [14] So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

I hate busyness almost as much as I loathe disruptions. I get frustrated, discouraged, angry, and irritable. I NEED things to go my way. Smooth sailing and no interruptions make for a happy me.

Paul didn't look for happiness. His main focus wasn't seeking ways to make his life easier. If it was, I'm sure he would have taken a different route with the direction his life was going. He wasn't frustrated. He wasn't discouraged. He was heartbroken for his friends and obedient to God's will regardless of the outcome. He found joy in his calling. Happiness wasn't factored into the equation.

Giving up on my will is hard for me. I am naturally selfish and self-centered. I am all about me. I want to be "happy" for the moment, even to the point of trading lasting joy for it. This Scripture is a reminder that my way may be easier right now, but it isn't always the right way. My first course of action should always default to seeking the Lord's will over my own... all the time... every time.