Good morning! Have you ever looked back on the things you prayed about and saw how God answered your prayers? Sometimes our prayers are answered in unexpected ways, but we are grateful when we feel the peace of those answered prayers. Join me today as we see how God answered the believers prayers.

Bible verse:

“²⁸ So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. ²⁹ He debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him. ³⁰ When the believers^[f] heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown.

³¹ The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.” – Acts 9:28-31 NLT

Key points:

• Saul continued to preach boldly – in the name of the Lord.
• Saul’s life was threatened.
• Saul left Jerusalem.
• The church continued to grow.

Reflection

While Saul had to flee from two regions because his life was threatened, each situation was a God orchestrated move. Saul was strategically moved – from Damascus to Jerusalem and then to Tarsus. Saul was in areas where he had to make amends, gain additional knowledge and experience the power of God while he preached and spent time with the apostles.

Saul’s character was being developed. Saul’s high ranking position prior to his conversion was no longer respected. His new identity in Christ Jesus had him on a new path. It wasn’t easy for Saul. Saul made many sacrifices and he humbly continued to serve God in the midst of his trials.

In the midst of Saul’s life, God’s plan continued to prevail. The church was at peace – God answered their prayers. They were no longer being persecuted by Saul and the Lord showed himself faith by changing Saul’s heart and their situation. The church grew stronger in their relationship with the Lord and the Holy Spirit increased the numbers in the church.

Sisters and brothers, a few questions to ponder.

• Where are you today? The Lord can use you right where you are.
• If the Lord wants to move you or reposition you will you allow Him too?
• Will you allow the Lord to equip you and prepare you for your next God ordained assignment?
• What prayers are you praying?

Prayer

Father God we thank you for your love toward us. Lord, we need you. Lord, you always make a way even when we can’t see it. Lord, help us to keep our eyes focused on you. Lord, help us to have faith in your plan. Continue to show us your purpose for our lives and use us. Bring around other Christian sisters and brothers in the faith to help us grow in our faith and knowledge of who you are. Lord, we pray for those currently going through storms in their lives. Lord, you know the battles they are facing and the strength that they need to persevere. Lord, remind them that you are with them. Continue to touch the sick, touch the spiritually blind, calm the hearts of those who are emotionally and mentally shaken, and ease the pain of those who have physically aliments. Lord, You are powerful enough to raise the dead, we know you can heal, touch, equip, provide, protect and continue to love us unconditionally – have your way in us. In Jesus name, amen.

NOTE: If you missed Saturday’s retreat or want to replay it, it is on our Facebook page and will be posted for a week. We had some internet connection issues early on, but you can still enjoythe full session.

The Facebook page to watch it is: https://www.facebook.com/maryewhiteministries/

Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

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