Led by the Spirit: Journey Through the Book of Acts Part 2Sample

Day 9: Unimaginable Impact

In 1732, two Moravian missionaries from Germany were called to evangelise African slaves in the Danish West Indies. Overcoming fierce opposition, they sold themselves into slavery to fulfil their mission. As their ship departed, they famously cried, "May the Lamb who was slain, receive the reward of His suffering," a powerful phrase that became the rallying cry for the Moravians, who became the first large-scale Protestant missionary group.

The Moravians went on to heavily influence the salvation of Charles and John Wesley, who later founded the Methodist Church, which went on to spark a spiritual revival across England and America in the 18th century, bringing salvation to millions of believers. The ripple effect of the actions of the two Moravian missionaries highlights the unbelievable developments that can occur when individuals willingly forgo their rights and privileges for God’s greater purposes.

In today’s passage, the Bible tells us of one similar instance. Paul and Silas had been wrongly beaten and imprisoned (v23). No one would have blamed them if they simply invoked their status as Roman citizens to be released. Yet they chose to remain in prison by foregoing their rights. They trusted that God had a special plan for this time of trouble. They even praised God with hymns during this time of much discomfort (v25).

When Paul and Silas were released from their chains (v26), they chose again to remain in prison instead of making a run for it. Their choice led to the dramatic conversion of not just the warden, but his entire household (v34). When we choose to give up our rights and privileges for God’s purposes, amazing things can happen.

In this world, rights and privileges are often seen as something to hold tightly to, but God calls us to a radical countercultural perspective. Are there any ‘rights’ or ‘privileges’ which God is calling you to surrender for his mission right now? Can we truly reconcile the costs of evangelism and missions with the rewards of transformed lives?

Responding to God’s call might not always look like what we expect, but whether it involves a significant personal sacrifice or supporting someone else, the key is obedience. As Paul and Silas showed, even in the most difficult circumstances, God can use our faithfulness to transform lives in an unimaginable way.

Reflect:

• Are there any personal comforts and rights that the Holy Spirit is calling us to surrender to the Lord today? Pray and ask the Lord for boldness and obedience to heed His call.
• God can use us to reach others for Christ way beyond our imagination. Take time to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to expand your faith and courage to impact those around you.