Unstoppable! 'The Lord's Hand Was in This!' — Acts 11:20-21

Monday, June 29, 2026

The Spring Emerges: JESUShaped

JESUShaped is a discipleship and church planting work born from this ministry.

 Learn More
However, some of the believers who went to Antioch... [because of the persecution in Jerusalem] began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.
— Acts 11:20-21 NLT

Key Thought

To reach people wherever we go requires two essential things at the same time:
  1. Our commitment to go where the Lord leads us and to tell everyone about Jesus.
  2. The power of the Lord working to help open the hearts of those to whom we are sent.
The first of these requires our readiness and willingness to share Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). As for the second, the Lord opened the disciples' minds and the door to the hearts of people the disciples were trying to reach (Acts 14:27, 16:14; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Colossians 4:3). He can still do the same now with us and also for people we are trying to reach with the story of Jesus.

Today's Prayer

God of all people, please help me see those whose hearts you have prepared for the message of Jesus. Empower me through the Holy Spirit to share the right words that will help them find your grace in Jesus. I commit to seeking your strength so that I will have both gentleness and courage as I share Jesus with those around me. I ask you to open their minds and hearts to the message of Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Pushing Past the Racial Barrier
Devo: Unstoppable!
"Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of..."
To the Ends of the Earth
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
God uses the most amazing connections and people to fulfill his promises to bless all people! James Nored and Phil Ware share Jesus' plan to reach all peoples, like the Ethiopian Nobleman and the people in the farthest reaches of the earth, with the goodness of grace.
Moving Out
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Faithful Follower, One of the marks of Our — Father, Son, and Spirit's — people has been their acceptance of "moving out," that is,...."
Discovering the Character of your Church: 'Are' Values or 'Should' Values?
Article by Tim Woodroof
How do we get down to our true values? Tim Woodroof talks about the values of churches and distinguishes between the values that are and the values that churches feel like they should have.
See All 5 Related Resources about Acts 11:20-21

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 11:20-21 NLT — However, some of the believers who went to Antioch... [because of the persecution in Jerusalem] began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, June 29, 2026

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Earthly Relationships' (1 Co. 7:36-40)
"Dear Father, head of our one enduring spiritual family, We live in our bodies and in families and we have strong needs for these very human things......"
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Giving Thanks' (Ps. 50:23)
"[God says] "But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.""
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'They Will Hear and Rise Again!' (Jn. 5:28-29)
"[Jesus continued,] "Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'A Brief Look Back'
"Dear Child of God, What drew you to follow Me? What called your heart to open up to Me? What convinced you that We — Father, Son, and Spirit..."

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.

More Unstoppable!