Living Out Actsਨਮੂਨਾ

Depending on the translation of the bible you read, the book of Acts may be referred to as the Acts of the Apostles. While this title is true, as we see what the apostles did through the book of Acts, I would encourage you to view it in addition to Acts of the Apostles as Acts of the Holy Spirit. For it is by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that the Apostles acted.

Now that I have shared that I believe it is important for us today just as it was for the Apostles then to trust the workings of the Holy Spirit. Acts 5 gives us an example of what not trusting (by way of lying) can do in the example of Ananias and Sapphira. Their lack of trust led to dire consequences. This should reassure you of the importance of trust in the Holy Spirit and give you confidence in His guidance.

However, let’s focus on another instance that I believe speaks to trusting God. In Acts 10 and 11 we see Peter preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. In short, the Gentiles were not seen as the chosen people like the Jews were and so this was a big deal and counter cultural for a Jew to do such a thing. But the Holy Spirit revealed to Peter that God shows no partiality by way of a vision God gave Him and by seeing the Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:34). In Acts 11, Peter would have to defend this revelation sharing with the Jews, leading them to be accepting of Gentiles who believed in Jesus, the risen savior.

This took Peter trusting the work of the Holy Spirit to stand for something that was counter cultural but from the Lord. In the same way, we have to trust the Holy Spirit when He shows us something or tells us things that may be contrary to societal norms. As New Testament believers, we have to take the promptings of the Holy Spirit seriously. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you to be bold and share your faith with those who don’t believe like you. Trust Him to lead you to pray for the stranger in need of a touch from God. Trust God to give sacrifically because you know that God will supply your needs.

Reflection Questions:

When was the last time you sensed the Holy Spirit prompting you to do something—and did you follow through?

What might trusting the Holy Spirit look like for you this week—in your words, decisions, or relationships?