And Suddenly!!!!!

Monday, April 11th, 2011

Today's Passage: Acts chapter 16
Memory Verse(s): 1 CorInthians 15:58

Out of all the stories about Paul, we love this one the best. Who doesn't relish the idea of possibly being able to see God single-handedly astound and shame our enemies right in front of us? But of course, nothing is ever that simple in the kingdom of God. Yes, He's the God of the miraculous, and He loves to show Himself strong in our lives even more than we think.

What we need to remember, however, is the fact that Paul and the other apostles lived in such a way that God had room to be a part of everything they did. Take this chapter, for example. They went from one place to another, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide them daily. Wherever they went, they did whatever God was expecting of them. They taught all men (and women) the life of the gospel of Christ.

And not only that, but they seized any opportunity to remind the enemy that he was a defeated foe. They knew that persecution came with the territory. So when they were arrested for casting out that spirit, they certainly didn't fall apart, asking God the infamous question, "Why us?" They already knew to go on with life, remembering that our Sovereign God orders our every step, and no scheme or plan the enemy has concocted shall prosper.

Having said all that, what was their reward for being steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord? It was the "And Suddenly" that God performed on their behalf. They were just doing the will of God and BEING the godly men they had been anointed to do, not whining about where they were. They didn't even try to bargain with God to make their season of testing shorter, as some of us may try to do in a similar situation. They simply continued to live Totally Devoted to their God. So, when the "And Suddenly" occurred, they were found walking in integrity and all wisdom. They didn't even try to break out of prison. They refused to bring ANY type of reproach on their Lord's Name. So guess Who got all the glory in that situation? God, of course. May we be also ready to let our faithfulness move on our behalf. We'd be more likely to see those "And Suddenly's" manifest all around us.

Prayer: Father, this day I thank You for Your Spirit that leads and guides me into ALL truth. On this truth I will display Your greatness, Your grace, and Your great love. No matter what, I desire to remember I'm all Yours, even through persecution, so that You can be glorified every step of the way. In Jesus' Name, Amen.