OUR NEXT CHAPTER 012
READ :
Acts 28 : 17-31
DEVOTIONAL
Merriweather Lewis and William Clark faced something that the Apostle Paul never did . They lived every day with the fear of failure . Their fears became a reality when they discovered the famous Northwest Passage , a body of water connecting the Mississippi and Pacific Ocean , did not exist . Every day after that , as they climbed through the Rocky Mountains , they wondered if they would ever make it to the Pacific Ocean . Would they return to Thomas Jefferson with the dreadful report ; mission failed ?
The Apostle Paul never lived with the fear of failure . He knew that the mission he was on would be accomplished . He knew that there was nothing that would get in the way . No religious or political opposition would stop God ’ s mission . No threat to his life or the life of his companions would slow down the work of the Lord . No snakes , shipwrecks , illnesses , imprisonments , or church in-fighting would hinder the gospel from going out to the ends of the earth .
Why was Paul so confident ? Paul knew the one who guaranteed the success of the mission . Paul knew that the gospel was unstoppable because it was being carried out by an unstoppable God .
Acts 28 concludes with one of the most powerful speeches of all time . With his final words in the book of Acts , Paul says , “ Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles ; they will listen .” ( Acts 28:28 ) Pay close attention to the confidence in Paul ’ s words . He doesn ’ t say , “ they might listen .” He says , “ they will listen .” When he says they will listen , he means they will listen and believe . In other words , “ they will be saved .” As to place the cherry on top , Luke ends the book of Acts with the word “ unhindered .” It ’ s the last word and the last reminder that the gospel will go out no matter what . God will be unhindered in His work .
Lewis and Clark never had this kind of assurance , but we do . We are on the same mission as Paul . Our desire to share the gospel with every person in Pinellas County is also the Lord ’ s desire . And guess what ? When we share with them , they will listen . People will be saved . God will be glorified . It ’ s an unstoppable mission empowered by an unstoppable God . Will there be challenges ? Yes . Will there be unforeseen obstacles ? Absolutely . Will it require guts and a willingness to do things differently ? Of course .
Will God accomplish his work no matter what ? He will and he will do it without hindrance .