2ND WEEK OF EASTER

We must obey God rather than men. 

The first chapters of the Book of Acts read like an action-packed adventure story: thousands of conversions, dramatic healings, and even a miraculous deliverance from prison! All because the apostles were boldly preaching the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. Of course, they knew that their activities could land them on the wrong side of the religious authorities. But when warned to stop, they could only reply, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

What astounding faith! Yet these same men weren’t always like this. Just think of how they all scattered when Jesus was arrested. Peter denied even knowing him (Luke 22:54-62). What had changed? It was the Holy Spirit, whom they had received at Pentecost. Now they were witnessing the Spirit’s power at work in themselves and in the people they encountered.

We, too, have received the Holy Spirit, and we have seen the Spirit at work in our lives and in the people around us. And just as he called the apostles, the Spirit calls us to share the good news. We might be fearful of rejection or of offending someone. We might be afraid of saying the wrong thing. But if we step out in faith, we’ll begin to see God working in power. And that will cause our faith to grow, just as it did for the apostles.

Is there a family member or a friend who has been on your heart lately? Someone you’d like to see come closer to the Lord? That could be the Holy Spirit nudging you to step out and take a risk. Ask God to help you find ways to share your faith with them. Don’t think you have to give a powerful testimony. Maybe all you have to do is send that person a Scripture verse or tell them, “God loves you” or “I’m praying for you.”

Keep asking the Holy Spirit to help you and keep taking those steps, no matter how small, to reach out with the love of God. As you do, you’ll become more confident. Not only that, but like the apostles, you’ll get to see firsthand the power of the Spirit touching people through your words.

“Holy Spirit, give me the courage to spread the good news.”

Acts 5:27-33
Psalm 34:2, 9, 17-20
John 3:31-36