Unstoppable! 'God-incidences' — Acts 10:17-20

Saturday, June 3, 2023

Peter was very perplexed [when told in his vision to eat unclean things]. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon's house. Standing outside the gate, they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there.

Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, "Three men have come looking for you. Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don't worry, for I have sent them."

— Acts 10:17-20 NLT

Key Thought

Years ago, I received a short email note concerning a devotional where I had written, "I don't believe in coincidences in the work of growing God's kingdom." A sweet lady responded to that devotional message and gave me a new word for God-designed coinciding events: "God-incidences." It was a "God-incidence" when Peter's puzzling vision was clarified by Cornelius' three messengers waiting to speak to him! God chose the moment he wanted to bring everything in his plan of salvation together at this specific place and time. These events were not random or a coincidence. God was at work. Let's expect him to be at work, in our day, as well!

Today's Prayer

Thank you, dear Father, for making your plan clear to Peter and Cornelius. Help me to know what you want me to do with my life. I want to serve you joyfully and skillfully, empowered by your Spirit and inspired by my Savior's love for me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 8:28-38; Philippians 2:13
  • Galatians 4:4

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 10:17-20 NLT — Peter was very perplexed [when told in his vision to eat unclean things]. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon's house. Standing outside the gate, they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there. Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, "Three men have come looking for you. Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don't worry, for I have sent them."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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