THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 14:1-7
“The Lord confirmed the message… by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.” (Acts 14:3)
Paul is in Iconium (Konya, Turkey) and has an effective time of speaking.
All he does is speak, but the Lord adds miraculous signs to his words.
It is Spirit power, not Paul’s persuasiveness, that leads to many to faith.
I am reminded that my job is to share the message of Jesus.
I don’t need to try to be effective because the effect is not me.
The effect of the Spirit stirs up faith in the great number of Jews.
The effect of the Spirit performs the signs and wonders.
We bring the willing spirit, and the Lord brings the effective Spirit.
Some focus on eloquence, trying too hard to be effective.
Some focus on the dangers of speaking, and hold back from speaking.
Others focus on signs and wonders, hoping to see them more.
Don’t let these things distract – just be open about your experience of Jesus.
And trust the Spirit to do His work, to combine His power with your words.
If your heart is stirred by the message of Jesus, others can be too!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may You mean more and more to me. May I be more and more bold to share this with others. And may I be more and more trusting that You will confirm my message, and make it effective.