Farewell to Forward Movement
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Jan 1
- 2 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | January 1 2026 | Acts 21:1-6
KEY VERSE: “After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos.” (Acts 21:1a, NIV)
MESSAGE:
Acts 20 closes with one of the most emotional scenes in the New Testament. Paul kneels with the Ephesian elders; there are tears, embraces, and deep sorrow - “they grieved most of all because of his statement that they would never see his face again” (Acts 20:38). A new year always begins with a goodbye. We step forward only after releasing what is behind us. Acts 21 opens with Paul leaving beloved companions and setting sail toward God’s next assignment. This moment captures the spiritual rhythm of the New Year - farewell and forward movement. Today’s passage reveals three important lessons:
Farewells Can Be Painful but Necessary: Luke’s words, “we had torn ourselves away,” show that obedience does not erase emotion. Paul loved deeply, yet he still moved forward. As the new year begins, we acknowledge that some things must be released — old seasons, disappointments, habits, and even familiar comforts — not because they were wrong, but because God is calling us onward.
Forward Movement Requires Deliberate Action: The text says, “we put out to sea.” Paul did not linger in hesitation. God’s will is fulfilled not by intention alone but by decisive movement. The New Year calls believers to action — to step out in faith, leave the harbour of familiarity, and trust God with the journey ahead.
God Already Has the Next Step Prepared. Paul found a ship ready to sail to Phoenicia. This reminds us that when God calls us forward, He also prepares the way. The new year is not uncharted territory to God. What lies ahead may be unknown to us, but it is already known to Him.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
As you step into this new year, ask yourself: What relationships, habits, or seasons is God asking me to release? You cannot fully embrace God’s new chapter while remaining emotionally trapped in the old one. When God says it is time to move, He goes ahead of us.
PRAYER:
Lord, as I step into this new year, give me grace to release what lies behind and courage to move forward in obedience. Help me trust You with every step ahead, knowing that You have already prepared the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: TORN OURSELVES AWAY The phrase translated “torn ourselves away” comes from the Greek ἀποσπασθέντες (apospásthēntes), meaning to be pulled away, separated by force, or detached with pain. It is used for separation that is deeply felt, not lightly chosen.
Luke does not hide the cost of obedience. Paul’s forward movement was faithful, but it was not emotionally easy. This shows us that following God’s direction does not cancel love, attachment, or grief. Faithfulness often requires costly separation, yet it still moves forward in trust.
Reflect on this:
What obedience might God be calling you into that feels emotionally difficult, yet spiritually necessary, as you step into this new year?
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