WEEK 9 DAY 4
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact
Devotional
The religious leaders were astonished by Peter and John—not because of their eloquence or education, but because these "ordinary men" spoke with such conviction and authority. This should encourage us tremendously! God doesn't require theological degrees, perfect articulation, or charismatic personalities to use us effectively.
What qualified Peter and John was simply that they had been with Jesus. Their time in His presence had transformed them from fearful followers to bold witnesses. The same is true for us today. Our effectiveness in sharing the gospel doesn't depend on our abilities but on our connection to Jesus.
This is why personal time with Christ is non-negotiable. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, engage in authentic prayer, worship wholeheartedly, and connect with other believers, we're changed. People notice something different about us—a hope, a peace, a confidence that stands out in our anxious world.
When people ask about this difference, we have an opportunity to share the source of our hope. Our testimony becomes not just words we say but a reality people can see in our lives. God delights in using ordinary people who have been with Jesus to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
Bible Verse
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." - Acts 4:13
Reflection Question
What aspects of your life might cause others to recognize that you've "been with Jesus"? How can you cultivate more of these qualities?
Quote
"I guarantee it, because it's biblical, that when we do that, people will notice and as Peter writes in 1st Peter 3:15, that when people see that we're different, they're going to say, hey, why are you so full of hope right now?"
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that You use ordinary people like me to accomplish Your purposes. Help me to spend such quality time in Your presence that others can't help but notice the difference in my life. Use my ordinary life to make an extraordinary impact for Your kingdom. Amen.
The religious leaders were astonished by Peter and John—not because of their eloquence or education, but because these "ordinary men" spoke with such conviction and authority. This should encourage us tremendously! God doesn't require theological degrees, perfect articulation, or charismatic personalities to use us effectively.
What qualified Peter and John was simply that they had been with Jesus. Their time in His presence had transformed them from fearful followers to bold witnesses. The same is true for us today. Our effectiveness in sharing the gospel doesn't depend on our abilities but on our connection to Jesus.
This is why personal time with Christ is non-negotiable. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, engage in authentic prayer, worship wholeheartedly, and connect with other believers, we're changed. People notice something different about us—a hope, a peace, a confidence that stands out in our anxious world.
When people ask about this difference, we have an opportunity to share the source of our hope. Our testimony becomes not just words we say but a reality people can see in our lives. God delights in using ordinary people who have been with Jesus to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
Bible Verse
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." - Acts 4:13
Reflection Question
What aspects of your life might cause others to recognize that you've "been with Jesus"? How can you cultivate more of these qualities?
Quote
"I guarantee it, because it's biblical, that when we do that, people will notice and as Peter writes in 1st Peter 3:15, that when people see that we're different, they're going to say, hey, why are you so full of hope right now?"
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that You use ordinary people like me to accomplish Your purposes. Help me to spend such quality time in Your presence that others can't help but notice the difference in my life. Use my ordinary life to make an extraordinary impact for Your kingdom. Amen.