Despite the circumstances
However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. Acts 4:4
Sometime the circumstances of my life do not seem ideal. There are times when I feel disappointments in the things going on around me. In those moments, I rarely “feel” like encouraging other people. In fact, what I do consider is that I am in no position to bless or inspire someone. Mostly, when the outward conditions are against me, I feel deflated and drained of energy. I find myself thinking: I don’t have the capacity to offer someone some of God’s goodness or why would anyone want help from me. I am the one that needs encouragement right now. Ironically, in those moments, if I take the step of faith to help or reach out to someone in need, I actually feel refreshed and better about what I am going through. Suddenly I see possibilities and hope for the situations surrounding me.
In today’s reading, Peter and John were ministering to a large group of people, but it didn’t go so well for them. They were arrested and put into custody. However, despite the circumstances of their arrest, many came to believe. In fact there were 5000 added to the church that day. Imagine if Peter and John had chosen to remain silent out of fear or discouragement. The opportunity for thousands to receive salvation could have been missed. Even when faced with threats from the high priests, Peter continued to speak courageously in the name of Jesus.
The truth is, it doesn’t matter what the circumstances of life are each moment of the day. Life is going to happen, but we must remain strong and steadfast in our faith in order to become an effective witness and accomplish the plan. Each day there may be new obstacles to encounter, but the mission is to stay focused and keep your heart set on the purpose you have been given breath today. When the storms rage, you can stand firm, knowing your strength comes from Him.
Below are some steps you can take to get started today:
- Recognize the Opportunity: Begin your day by asking God to open your eyes to opportunities to bless others, even when life feels difficult.
- Take One Step: When you feel prompted to encourage, pray, or offer a helping hand, act on it. Don’t overthink it. A small word of encouragement can have a big impact.
- Lean on God’s Strength: Acknowledge your own limitations and invite God to work through you. His strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
- Stay Mission-Minded: Keep your focus on the bigger picture. Your purpose is not diminished by hardships, in fact, God often uses those moments to draw others to Himself.
- Pray for Boldness: Just as Peter and John did, ask God for the courage to stand firm in your faith, regardless of opposition. (Acts 4:29).
Today I want to encourage you to stay on mission no matter what circumstances of life you are going through right now. Life is full of twists and turns, ups and downs, ins and outs but those must not take your attention from what is important at this time. As God’s people and ambassadors in this world, we have to keep moving forward and taking new ground. Just as the first church in the book of Acts stood up and moved forward each day in the middle of extreme pressure to be silent, we too must let the world around us know there is hope and there is a future of blessing and God’s goodness available to step into. No matter what circumstances you are facing, know that God has not abandoned you. You are His ambassador, equipped with His Spirit to share hope and truth. Like Peter and John, stand boldly and trust that God will use your life to impact others. Let the winds of adversity blow because you are firmly anchored in the unwavering love and purpose of God.
Pray for God’s grace today to step into His strength and boldly share His love with those around you. Despite every circumstance, He is working through you!
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 4:1-12
1 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them,
2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.
4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes,
6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel:
9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well,
10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole.
11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
The Daily Dose 