Acts 23:12-35 | When God's Promises Are Hard to BelieveНамуна

God Provides through Everyday Things

It was Paul’s nephew who got wind of the plot.

Luke tells us he heard about it and went to the barracks to tell Paul. Paul, in turn, tells one of the centurions guarding him to take his nephew to tell the commander.

This begs all sorts of questions. How many relatives did Paul actually have? How many were staying in Jerusalem? Were they believers like he was, or mildly embarrassed of their “weird Uncle Paul” who was always going on about Jesus? And what kind of flak were they getting for being related to him? And it begs this too. How is it that Paul, the prisoner being held, has curried the favor of his captors and is now calling the shots and commanding them?

Acts doesn’t say. But we see something here that we’ve seen again and again. It seems like the powers of this world are calling the shots and in control. But the reality is that it’s King Jesus who is really in control, even in our places of weakness and humility. Because life is not always what it seems.

And God often demonstrates that power and exercises his control through ordinary, everyday things.

Keep reading Acts, and you’ll find out that Paul’s safety came through his nephew overhearing the plot. God’s promises don’t always come with miraculous signs. Often, God works through ordinary people and small details. God used an unexpected person—Paul’s young nephew—to protect him. God often provides help through people we wouldn’t expect. His providence works quietly but effectively.

How about you? How has God provided and protected you through ordinary, everyday means?

Prayer

Thank God today for the endless protection he provides you. Thank him for the things unnoticed. And thank him for the ways you have noticed too, especially the people he has brought your way.