Acts in 28 DaysSample

In verse 23 of today’s passage, we read that the Spirit had warned Paul that hardships and prison were awaiting him wherever he went, but despite these warnings he pushed on. He knew there was a bigger picture. He even said that he considered his life worth nothing, and that his only goal was to see the gospel shared (verse 24). Wow, this is not easy!

In today’s world, not all of us will be called to face the same kinds of hardships. There are many Christians in our world today who do have to be prepared to face jail time or worse for saying they believe in Christ or for having a Bible in their house. For others, their fear might be related to the weird looks or sense of being an outsider they might get if they tell someone they are a Christian.

No matter what your context, God has a calling on your life. Your calling might be to go out into the world and serve Him in a foreign land. Maybe you are called to live a more conventional life and talk to people about Jesus where you are. Both come with their own set of challenges and fears. Ultimately, like Paul, we can say that our lives are not about us. We can press on to do all that we can, in the context God has put us in, so that others can experience God’s love.

GO DEEP

Are there times in your life where you need to see the bigger picture of God’s plan? Write down three times where it has been hard to be a Christian. Next write down how the knowledge that God has a plan and purpose for your life changes your perspective on these challenges.

BE BOLD

Having received the great gift of God’s love, take a step so that others can experience the same. Seek God and ask Him in what way he wants you to share his love this day, or in the rest of your life.

MEMORISE IT

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” - Acts 20:24