But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Acts 1:8

I am utterly amazed at how God carries out His plans! The first part of the eighth chapter of Acts tells us that after the stoning of Stephen, the church, all except for the Apostles, scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

Remember what Jesus’ last words were before He was taken up into heaven:

When the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) It seemed as though the church was on the run, yet the Lord had planned for the church to spread.

The persecution, which could have brought defeat or squelch the Christian movement, actually enabled the church to grow. God always has a plan even when things look hopeless. He can even use the difficult things in our lives to work together for good. (Romans 8:28)

What are the things in your life that seem to be hopeless? Is your marriage failing? Are your finances at risk? Are you suffering from depression or a feeling of hopelessness? The Lord majors in the impossible. He is an expert in taking the negative things of our lives and turning them around for good. He offers us hope when things seem hopeless. He waits for you to turn over those things that seem impossible and look to Him as the source of life.

This week I was overwhelmed with my responsibilities. It seemed as a line of endless tasks demanded my attention and time. As I sought the Lord, He reminded me of His Word in John 16:33: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Beloved children of God, Jesus Christ overcame every trial we could ever face. Turn to Him as your source of hope and He will not fail to lift you up.

Heavenly Father,

My life seems to be like the early church – scattered and defeated. What appeared like disaster turned the early church into the most formidable institution ever known to man: the church, the body of Christ. Help me to fix my eyes on You and not on my out-of-control life. Help me to remember that what seems to be impossible is not impossible for You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen