Unstoppable! 'The Power of Grace' — Acts 14:1-3

Monday, July 31, 2023

The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Some of the Jews, however, spurned God's message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.

— Acts 14:1-3 NLT

Key Thought

Throughout history, Jesus' disciples have remained faithful in the face of hard times and persecution. The early disciples refused to back down from sharing the Good News of Jesus simply because they faced opposition. Despite Satan using some people to poison others against Christ-followers, God opened up the door to minister, and people came to Christ because of the boldness of Jesus' messengers declaring the grace of the Lord and demonstrating it through their lives and because of the power of God in the lives of other disciples. Sometimes, when hearts were closed, the messengers had to shake the dust off their feet and go to other places. That didn't mean they left because the going was tough. They were willing to endure hardship to share the message of Jesus and left only when it was clear that the Spirit had called them elsewhere or all hearts were closed to the message of Jesus.

Today's Prayer

O Father, give me the courage to declare and demonstrate the grace of Jesus boldly. Give me wisdom, dear Father, to know when to stay and when to move on to the next opportunity. I do not want hardship, opposition, or intimidation to be what drives my decisions. I want to walk in the direction your Spirit is leading. So, dear God, please give me wisdom and courage. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 4:23-31
  • 2 Timothy 1:5-14

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 14:1-3 NLT — The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas went to the Jewish synagogue and preached with such power that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers. Some of the Jews, however, spurned God's message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas. But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.

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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