Acts 8

Today in Acts 8 we see the Apostles at work. We get an idea of how much they believed the gospel by the way they responded to God during their ministry. Stephen boldly spoke the word of God to the Sanhedrin and even prayed for them as He was being stoned. Peter and John went to Samaria and brought them the Holy Spirit showing they understood the global vision for the Gospel. They also stood up to Simon the Sorcerer as he attempted to buy the power of God. Then there was Philip who was used greatly by God as he listened to the messengers the Lord sent to guide him into the different areas he was to be used. At this time Paul was also doing things for God. He was persecuting the church, throwing believers in prison and on the job stopping them from having any peace. We all have to be on guard as we do things for God. We can all head in a direction the church leaders are going or even support a position a denomination has taken without checking with God. Many times we ask for His permission rather than direction on what we are contemplating. There is a huge difference. Asking for direction takes our desires out of the equation. Asking for permission says we have already decided what to do and want God's approval. He may allow us to do this putting us in His permissive will instead of His perfect will. This always comes with many trials and lessons to be learned just as Paul had to experience. God did reach him, but He told Ananias in Act 9:16 "I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
As we all seek God's will today pray, that He will instill in us the ability to follow in the way that He wants us to serve, and to make the mark in this world that we have been placed here to make.