Happy Wednesday! Have you ever been in a situation where you tried to do the right thing? Then when you did the right thing, people began to question you or your motives or make you out to be the villain. Well we read Acts chapter three where Peter and John healed the lame man in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter preached and shared how the lame man was healed. In today’s reading we will begin to read on another twist that is about to take place. Are you ready?

BIBLE VERSE – Acts 4:1-4 NIV
“¹The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. ² They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. ³ They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. ⁴ But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.”

REFLECTION
There were three forms of leadership that addressed Peter:

• The priests

• The captain of the temple guard

• The Sadducces

They had the same titles as those who confronted Jesus in the flesh while he was on earth. Given Peter was one of the disciples who was with Jesus, this type of harassment or treatment was not a surprise to him.The leaders tried to make Peter and John the villains, but Peter and John were already equipped and prepared for the treatment they received.

The take away:

• Peter and John preached the Good News about Jesus.

• They continued in their purpose.

• Trusted God’s divine appointment with the lame man.

• Allowed God to use them to heal the lame man.

• Many who heard the message believed.

• The number of men who believed grew to 5,000. This number does not include the women and children who also heard and believed.

God has given us all the ability to believe, repent and follow Him. Even when things do not seem to be going well, for example like Peter and John, they were on their way to do God’s work, then the Holy Spirit prompted them to stop and heal a man in the name of Jesus, which turned into a sermon/preaching moment, many people became believers, but by the end of the night they were in jail. I’m certain that was not what they had planned for the day, but God used it for His purpose.

Sisters and brothers there will be days when we will be redirected by the Holy Spirit. Do not get frustrated or angry if things do not go according to your plan. Trust God’s plan because you may never know the lives you might change by simply doing what God has called you to do.

Question: Will you trust God’s plan?

PRAYER
Father God we thank you for all that you have done for us. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you for the opportunity to share your word with others. Lord as you go before us today, teach us your ways. Lead us in the way we should go. Direct our steps and allow the Holy Spirit to prompt us and redirect our plans when you call on us to serve you. Lord do not let us miss an opportunity to be used by you. Give us discernment to say yes to the right things. Open our hearts and our minds to feel and think about the things that concern you. Cover us with your mighty hands as we strive in your strength to be your hands and feet in this world. Help us to trust your plan and process even when we are afraid. Lord, please be with families as they gather for the holidays. Comfort those who will be away from their loved ones. Give peace and strength to those who are grieving the loss of a family member during this holiday season. Lord, help them to breathe when it is too painful to breathe. Lord, mend their broken hearts and help them to feel your presence. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

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