He is Doing

DEVOTION

THE BOOK OF ACTS

HE IS DOING

Acts 14:26-28

26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

NIV

Well we have completed our journey on this trip anyway, which most likely is referred to as Paul first missionary journey. Although we can be certain Paul and Barnabas said a great deal which may have taken days to give an account of all that God had done through them, we have but a statement about just that. Yet within that statement it is about what God had done through them. Our first life lesson is about who does what and through who. Some may think they have accomplished what that have done, but Paul and Barnabas surely did a whole lot more for the kingdom of God then most of us today and they made sure the rest of the church knew it was God who did the work through them. It is so easy for us to use the word, “I” in our conversations, even when we are doing something for the kingdom of God. It might be acceptable to use “I” when speaking about driving a car, or playing a round of golf, but really maybe we shouldn't even use it then. It would be more fitting to always use the term, “God helped me get to work today, or make that great shot. But what about the times when thinks are not going right? Paul was stoned, but still God did a work through him, as he raised him up so he could walk back into the city and show the people the power of God. Even when times get tough, God is doing a work in our lives and we need to always be ready willing and able to tell others of all that he is doing in our lives. The second part or truth for us is that as God opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, he opens the door for us in our lives. First we cannot be saved unless God does opens the door. Yes we have to decide, we have the free will to say yes or no, but we cannot open the door to salvation, only God can do that. We have the choice to go through the door or to stay on the outside, he does not kick us through the door, nor does he kick us back out the door. He opens it, we must enter it. Secondly this applies to our everyday life as well. God leads us, he opens the door to opportunities, and shows us the way in which we should go. For us to use that “I” word regarding everything we are, and what we do only points to the self-centeredness of our heart. We should always be aware and forever thankful for all that God is has and is doing for us, in us and through us. Instead of saying, “I am doing” we should be saying, “He is doing”.