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Do you believe in divine intervention? Do you believe that God will go to great lengths – even to the point of providing supernatural interventions to impact the lives of mankind? Is God so concerned with our salvation, and mankind being reconciled to Him, that He will perform miracles to do so?

There is a story found in the book of Acts, chapter 8, about Philip. The story takes place after Jesus has died, been resurrected from the grave, and has ascended back into heaven. Christ followers were being persecuted, causing believers to scatter and for many, lose their lives.

It is on this scene that we read Philip, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, is directed by an angel of the LORD to “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” Philip knows so intimately the prompting of the LORD, and desires to be obedient unto Him, that without knowing the reason for the request, Philip obeys.

Along this road, Philip meets up with an Ethiopian eunuch. This high-ranking official of the queen of Ethiopia had made the trek to Jerusalem to worship, and was now heading back toward his home. As the eunuch was traveling, he was reading aloud from the book of Isaiah.

Perhaps you can relate to the eunuch. He was doing what he believed was right and important. He had followed God’s instruction to worship at the Temple, but as he sat trying to understand God’s word in Isaiah, it was not making much sense to him. The text was confusing. His heart was seeking, but his mind was not grasping.

In the midst of this, God intervenes. I think God loves to come across seeking hearts. He loves to provide insight through his word – even if it takes someone else – a Philip – to mysteriously “show up” on the scene to help us. (Don’t forget who is directing Philip to this eunuch!)

Acts 8:29-31  “The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”

Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.”

Do you understand what is happening? These are not men who would ordinarily fellowship with one another. These men come from completely different backgrounds and cultures. They are from two different classes. And yet, the eunuch’s heart is primed and ready, and Philip’s heart is filled with the Holy Spirit. The combination seems perfectly orchestrated by God, doesn’t it?

As the two rode along, Philip began to unpack the scriptures predicting Jesus. Philip, beginning with the same scripture the eunuch was reading, told him the Good News about Jesus.  And the result? Acts 8: 36-38 “As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.”

A divine appointment. A life saved. An unlikely pair brought together by an amazing God. God saw the seeking heart, and God responded. Philip, in giving his life to Christ, understood the blessing, value and purpose of living ready to respond to whatever the Spirit prompted. This divine moment, orchestrated by God changed lives.

The scriptures say, “The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing.” (v. 39) All the way back to Ethiopia, and into the presence of the Queen, the message and evidence of a life changed will be present. The word of God spread. A ripple effect from a divine appointment!

Never underestimate the importance of being placed where you are. God has, and will continue to bring people across your path who are primed and ready – even praying – that they will be able to understand and know God. They just need a Philip to come alongside them. This is why, when the Holy Spirit prompts, we do well to listen and obey. Lives are changed. Mountains are moved. We become the answer to prayer!

Blessings!