Now when we heard these things [about Paul being arrested if he went to Jerusalem], both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 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." So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done." And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem. Acts 21:12-15

Paul was warned that if he went to Jerusalem he would be arrested. The people with Paul “pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem” (v.12). But Paul was not to be dissuaded. He was convinced he was to go to Jerusalem—so he went, looming arrest or not! Paul no doubt appreciated the people’s concern, but he was resolute, and knowledge of suffering was not going to change his mind (v.13).

A lesson to take from this (and this is on a lesson in our discipleship curriculum regarding discerning answers to prayer) is that there is a difference between “godly counsel,” and “counsel from the godly.” The godly said “Don’t go!” But God’s counsel was, “Go, knowing the cost ahead of time!”

We must cultivate an ear to hear and know God’s voice, which sometimes people who love us will affirm, and sometimes they will not.