SWHW Bible Reading Plan: May 2021Sample

Top Takeaway From Jess Hatton:

A constant prayer of the She Works HIS Way team is that the members are serving as evangelists in the workforce in which they are positioned. A central focus of our faith is to know and share the gospel of Jesus Christ to those around us. This is one reason SWHW exists, to provide community and equip Jesus-loving-working-women to stand firm in their faith and share the gospel to those around them.

Two of the reasons that we may often be afraid to share the gospel is demonstrated in today’s reading. We see two perfect examples of how people of the world will attempt to undermine believers who are sharing their faith.     

• People of the world will treat you like the enemy. (Acts 17:5-9) 

The gospel is contrary to every aspect of worldly life. It truly does “turn the world upside down” (Acts 17:6b) bringing jealousy and hostility to people who are living as part of the world.   

• People of the world will attempt to undermine your intelligence. 

Paul preached to many religious philosophers. These men initially thought him to be a babbler, which was to assume he was like a person picking up on small amounts of their philosophies while not having full knowledge of the topic. 

They were not ready for Paul who was well versed in their poets to the degree he could quote them (Acts 17:28). He used his knowledge of their philosophies to gain their interest and trust, then moved beyond it by pointing out their idolatry and their ignorance of the true God.

Despite these things, we have the powerful example of Paul who is faithful and persistent to share the gospel of Jesus Christ despite the world’s attempts to hurt and or undermine him. Despite the mockery of Paul, the gospel took hold in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8), in Berea (Acts 17:12), and Athens (Acts 17:34). 

There will always be those ready and willing to hear and come to belief in Jesus. If Paul had given up when the world came at him, many of those who came to belief may not have had the opportunity to hear about Jesus and come to know Him.  But Paul persisted and believed that Jesus’ gospel was powerful and sufficient to work in his life and in those around him. 

Jesus, I pray that today’s reading empowers us to share Your life, death, and resurrection with those around us. Don’t allow us to be paralyzed in fear but to be bold for the gospel. I pray we would first serve others by making our faith known and loving on those who need to know You. Give us patience and endurance to continue being your evangelists even when we are mocked and turned away. Let us rest assured that there is power in Your gospel and there are always those ready to come to belief. Use us to make Your name known.

 Amen.