In yesterday’s devotion, I mentioned our family vacation to Atlanta. On that trip, we arrived in

town at the same time as a big baseball game. Fortunately, there were signs directing everyone

away from the game traffic, so I decided to follow those signs. Unfortunately, those were signs

FOR the game, so we followed those signs right into the middle of the traffic!

We all get confused at times. In this week’s story, Philip is helping the Ethiopian eunuch. The

man is reading the scroll of Isaiah, but is confused by what he is reading:

When Philip ran up to the man, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do

you understand what you’re reading?” “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides

me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. (Acts 8: 30-31)

Philip could tell he was confused. And the man was asking for guidance! Philip saw a need and

met it. He just sat with the man and addressed his concern right there!

But Philip did an important thing at first. Philip listened! In Acts 8:32-33, the eunuch read a

passage from Isaiah and asked questions in Acts 8:34:

The man asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or

someone else?”

We don’t know what Philip thought of this question. But Philip treated it respectfully. He took the

time to listen and validate him.

When we see someone needing help, we often know what they need (or at least we think we

do). But many times, it’s important not to “jump in”. We need to listen and see what they need.

It’s important for people to talk through their feelings and their situation.



When these opportunities come into your life, how do you view them? Are you moving so fast

that they are an inconvenience? Or are your priorities structured so that they’re an opportunity?

By Jason Grace

Jason is a software engineering manager. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and have

been active members at Immanuel for over 22 years. His service includes roles in the deacon

ministry, children's ministry, technical team, financial coaching, and leading Bible studies. He

loves traveling with his wife and family throughout the US.