Acts - Until Everyone KnowsSample

Acts 6

The apostles are made aware that some of their widows (Hellenistic Jews were those who had embraced Greek culture) are being neglected. Realizing they cannot spread themselves too thinly, they decide to ask the other disciples to select seven men who are "known to be full of the Spirit and Wisdom" (v. 7) to take on this task, so they can continue to be focused on prayer and preaching the Word of God.

The seven are chosen, and the apostles pray and lay hands on them. With each person being released to operate in their gifting, the Word of God spreads and more people come to faith. Stephen, one of those chosen, is also performing "great signs and wonders" (v. 8), and despite opposition, it is evident that he is full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom. The persecution against him increases, but his face radiates like an angel!

God has given you special and unique Gifts, but you also need to keep relying on Him as you operate in these Gifts. You need God’s Spirit and His Wisdom for all that you do, whether it is distributing food to those in need, organising a rota, cleaning your church, bringing up your children, managing a company, leading a small group, or chatting across the fence to your neighbor.

Ask God to fill you with His Spirit and Wisdom for whatever tasks He gives you today. Who knows how much you will need it when opposition comes your way? And who knows what miracles you will see as you are filled with His Spirit for the "ordinary" tasks?

Lord, thank You for the unique Gifts that You have given me. Let all that I do today be an act of worship to You; every little task and every big assignment, whether it is seen or hidden. Amen.

Rachel Gibson