“In Between Normals”: A 30 Day Devotion on the Book of ActsSample

Don't Waste your Waiting

What does it look like when you are thrown into a situation you neither expect nor like? Meet Philip!

Philip was a Greek-speaking Jew. He was godly and competent, "full of the Spirit and wisdom." (6:3) People like him have a unique "competitive edge." He could be pretty successful in this society.

However, out of no fault of his own, he was thrown into chaos. A mega-persecution broke out in Jerusalem where he lived and worked. Just overnight, he was forced to leave! He was "scattered." (8:1) Now, jobless and homeless, I could imagine him complaining, "God, I lived a proper life and I served you well. Why do you treat me like this?"

Every Moment is a Sacred Moment

Well, Philip didn't complain. He knew that every moment is a sacred moment, including the ones we don't like. The circumstance we want to pray away so badly is probably the exact circumstance that God wants to use to shape us. You know, it’s only under the most extreme heat that you can mould the most precious metal. Used properly, heat is your friend.

Do the Next Right Thing

So, what did Philip do? He travelled North to Samaria. He had no idea what was going to happen, but he focused on doing the next right thing he knew. He kept doing his ministry, healed the sick, and even brought a sorcerer to Christ!

Then, suddenly, God interrupted his life again. So, Philip travelled down south to meet an Ethiopian eunuch! Ladies and Gentlemen! This is the beginning point of Christianity in Ethiopia!

My friend, you will never know what the next right thing will lead you to! Be faithful!

Don't Waste your Waiting

Over the years I have learnt an important spiritual principle. Regardless of where God is putting you right now, He has something for you to do and something for you to learn. God always wants you to contribute in some areas and grow in other areas.

So, don't waste your waiting. Don't even focus on what you like or don't like. They are irrelevant. Those "don't likes" may prove to be more important than you would like to admit.

Reflection:

As you reflect on God's guidance in your life, where do you think God is asking you to contribute? What do you think God is asking you to learn?