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

A Quiet Sense of Destiny
What do you admire most about Apostle Paul? For me, it’s his resilience.
A Public Life of Confidence
Look at Paul. He has recently been stripped, beaten and put in jail in Philippi. Then, he faced a riot in Thessalonica. Now, here in Corinth, his fellow Jews were simply "abusive." (18:6)
Paul was confident. His public appearance was tough and formidable. But was Paul always like that? Did Paul ever feel discouraged or scared?
A Divine Comfort
After his famous speech in Athens, Paul moved onto another big city, Corinth. While his ministry seemed to go well, Paul knew that something was not right.
Up till this point, Paul could never stay in a city for long. It was a matter of weeks before his enemies would stir troubles and threaten his life. Then, he would be on the run again. Now, in the middle of a sleepless night, Paul was probably thinking whether he should leave immediately or perhaps be forced to flee again soon.
Leave? Give up? How about the ministry? How about God's calling? Paul was distressed.
God in His mercy knew exactly where Paul was and what he needed. So, God showed up in a vision. “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you.” (18:9-10) So, what did Paul do?
A Private Life of Conviction
"So, Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half." (18:11)
What was going on in Paul's heart? I suspect his encounter with God confirmed what he already learned from the book of Psalms. "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6)
I call this a "quiet sense of destiny," a conviction so simple but so powerful that it helped Paul to persevere with courage. For Paul, courage was not the absence of fear, but the will to act in the face of it.
My friends, perhaps God is telling you the same thing today. Do not be afraid. You are on the right track. Keep going. I am here for you.
Reflection:
What obstacles are hindering you from pursuing God's calling? What is your biggest fear? How can you nurture this "quiet sense of destiny"?
Scripture
About this Plan

We are living in a strange world. The "old normal" has been taken from us. The "new normal" is yet to come. How shall we live in this strange space called “In Between Normals”? Come! Let’s walk alongside Paul and the early disciples to see how they navigated their “In Between Normals.” Let their journey be your guide! Let the Word of God speak to your heart! -Pastor Albert Ng
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We would like to thank Pastor Albert Ng for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.islandecc.hk/
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