Welcome back, friends!

A few months ago, I was reading about Paul’s conversion experience in Chapter 26 of the book of Acts when I came across a verse that stood out to me — Acts 26:14. It says:

“And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads’” (ESV).

What in the world is a "goad"? I wondered.

After doing some research, I discovered a goad is an 8-foot rod used to control oxen. Comfortable in their space, the animals would stand in defiance, kicking against the goad, and only move when prodded.

And that’s when I realized that I can kick against the goad.

How many times has the Holy Spirit prompted me to do something, and I have stood in defiance? Unwilling to listen and give up my comfortable space, I argue with the Holy Spirit, but that doesn’t get me anywhere. It’s when I finally realize this that I stop kicking and start listening.

Do you relate? Do you kick against the goads?

Instead of kicking, let’s listen to that prompting the Holy Spirit is giving us. Let’s replace those toxic thoughts with “Yes, Lord, I will choose to listen to You!”

When we kick against the goads, we are only hurting ourselves. But when we listen to the Lord, joy can fill our hearts. So let’s stop kicking and start listening!

Cheering you on,

Missy

P.S. Want to study more about Paul? Check out Lesson 5 on pages 49-60 of our Bible Study Companion.

BIBLE STUDY COMPANION

(If completing the BSC lesson digitally, when done, click "Print." Then change the destination to "PDF." This will allow you to save a copy of the BSC with your answers typed in!)

Let’s Chat!

What are you kicking against today? What is something that you can do today to start listening to the Holy Spirit?

Next Steps:

• Read Chapter 14 of Get Out of Your Head.
• Complete Lesson 5 of our Bible Study Companion (optional).
• Join us for Bible Study LIVE at the Table tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET over on Facebook (optional).
• Come back Friday for a wrap-up of our week!