Acts Continues Today Through You
Acts 28.21-31
The Power of Faithfulness: Continuing God’s Work in Our Lives
In the bustling streets of ancient Rome, Paul sat chained to a guard, yet his spirit remained unbound. This man, once a persecutor of the faith he now preached, had traveled across seas and continents, faced shipwrecks and imprisonment, all to spread a message of hope and redemption. Paul’s journey teaches us that God’s work doesn’t end with the closing of a book or the passing of an era – it continues through us, today.
The book of Acts may conclude abruptly, but the acts of God’s people carry on. Just as the early believers were called to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, we too are called to share the gospel in our spheres of influence. Our “Jerusalem” might be our neighborhood in Aurora, our “Judea and Samaria” the surrounding Denver Metro area and the state of Colorado, and our “ends of the earth” the far-flung corners of the globe where missionaries still venture.
But how do we remain faithful in this calling, especially when faced with opposition or indifference? The answer lies in clinging to God’s promises and allowing His Word to shape our lives. Consider the power of a “life verse” – a scripture that resonates deeply with your soul and guides you through life’s ups and downs. For some, it might be Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” For others, it could be Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
These verses aren’t just platitudes; they’re lifelines in times of doubt and struggle. They remind us that God’s work in our lives is ongoing and that He hasn’t brought us this far to abandon us now. When we face trials that seem to stretch on endlessly, we can take comfort in knowing that God is using these experiences to deepen our faith and prepare us for greater things.
Do you have a life verse yet? If not, begin asking the Lord for one. Ask Him to bring a verse to you and highlight it so you can hold fast to His Word. And as you spend time with Him and in His Word, He will be faithful to encourage you.
Remaining faithful isn’t usually about grand gestures or dramatic testimonies. Often, it’s about the small, daily choices we make. It’s about asking ourselves not just Can I do this? but Should I do this? We are called to a higher standard in a world that constantly pushes the boundaries of what’s acceptable. As 1 Corinthians 6:12 reminds us, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
This principle applies to many areas of life, from our entertainment choices to our habits and relationships. It’s not about legalism, but about wisdom and discernment. Are we making choices that edify and build us up spiritually, or are we slowly dulling our hearts to God’s voice?
The danger of a dull heart is real and often creeps in unnoticed. It’s the result of seemingly insignificant decisions that, over time, create distance between us and God. When confronted with our choices, we might become defensive and quick to cry, “Don’t judge me!” instead of humbly considering whether we’ve strayed from God’s best for us.
Even while under house arrest in Rome, the apostle Paul continued to preach and teach, using every opportunity to share the Gospel. His faithfulness in less-than-ideal circumstances led to the writing of several New Testament letters that continue to impact believers today.
Remember, success in God’s kingdom is measured by faithfulness. We may not see the full impact of our obedience in this lifetime, but we can trust that God is working through us to accomplish His purposes.
And so the story of Acts continues through us today. Whether we share our faith with a neighbor, support missionaries abroad, or live out our beliefs in the workplace, we’re part of a grand narrative that spans generations. Our “chapter” may seem minor or insignificant, but it’s an essential part of God’s ongoing work in the world.
As we step into each new day, let’s do so with the confidence that the best is yet to come. Let’s cling to God’s promises, make choices that will draw us closer to Him, and remain faithful in the tasks He’s given us. For soon, very soon, we will see the King face to face. Until then, may we live in a way that honors Him and continues the great work He began long ago.
The Book of Acts may have ended, but God’s story—and our part in it—continues on. Let us embrace our role with joy, knowing that every act of obedience, no matter how small, contributes to the unfolding of His divine plan.
