Reflection by Christine Eid

Today’s reading in Acts 7:1-11:18 covers many experiences of the early Christians.  Stephen’s message and stoning, the persecution of the church, Philip and the Ethiopian, Saul’s conversion, healings and Peter sharing the Gospel with Gentiles.  So many experiences!

While reading, Acts 8:26-40 became a focal point for me.  Philip is called upon by God to go on the road, and while there meets an Ethiopian who does not understand the scripture he is reading.  Philip takes the opportunity and the time to talk with the man, sharing the Gospel message.

I’m not sure if God has ever told me to change my plans of the day to go someplace in particular so that I can meet up with a stranger, maybe so.  But I am sure that He has placed people in my path throughout my day who I could share the Gospel with.  Sometimes I am open to looking for those opportunities and sometimes I am so focused on my own schedule and agenda that I don’t see the opportunities that God has placed before me.

God consistently puts people in our lives that we can share the Gospel with.  At times, this may make us uncomfortable.  We are afraid we are going to say the wrong thing.  In Matthew 10:19-20, Jesus speaks to His disciples in regards to speaking as a witness if arrested, but the words of 19b-20 speak to us as well, “…do not worry about what to say or how to say it.  At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

God will give us the words that we need to say to share His message.  He wants everyone to know about Him!  And so, as we continue on our Lenten journey, be bold!  Share the exciting message of Jesus’ love for each of us.

What Biblical truths does God show me in these verses?

God places individuals in our lives to whom we have the opportunity to share the Gospel message, and He will give us the words to speak boldly.

Since God tells in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?

As God places individuals in my life to witness to, I need to be open to look for those opportunities and share the Gospel of Christ.  I can do so in confidence that God will give me the words to say.

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