Stepping Out

During this section of scripture in Acts we see the results of breakthrough. Peter’s encounter with the Lord set up his ministry to Cornelius. That in turn set up the big push towards the Gentiles. Until this moment, no Gentile had come to faith. From now on it was open season. 

Breakthroughs are never easy. It is not just that we spend time in prayer with the Lord, but it always leads to changes in our thinking, our faith & our experiences. The Great Commission was broad: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the Ends of the Earth. Yet for 10 years the church could only see the immediate effect: Jews coming to Christ. They were stuck in their ways, both traditions & mindsets. Pushing beyond our boundaries is not easy. 

Yet once one person broke through, others could follow. Antioch!! The new expansion place, a different church. Not stuck in the old ways. Trying new things and getting many saved. Even the leadership was multi-cultural. Time for another breakthrough. 

Second breakthrough! Barnabas, Paul and the leadership encounter the Lord setting up the first intentional church planting mission trip. Persecution and fear forced the first expansion. Love and vision motivated the second expansion. 

As we read through these times of encounter, mission, outreach, reactions & opportunities it is easy to stay distant, just reading another story. Yet the Lord put these accounts together to help us see breakthrough brings rewards. Breakthrough leads to us stepping out. Breakthrough resets boundaries. Breakthrough produces results. 

What breakthroughs is the Lord whispering to you?  

Isaiah 50:4-5 The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. 

There are things the Lord wants to release in our lives, things that will give us adventures, cause us to grow and bring Him much glory. Are we listening? 

Stepping out always seems too difficult until we start. 

I love listening to my daughter Bex as she talks about her experiences in Brazil. I love reading Linval and Diana’s adventures from Zambia. I love talking to the youth who went to Sweden as they laugh excitedly about their time on mission. Stepping out always seems so difficult … until we do it. Then the rewards are so great. 

What adventures is the Lord stirring in you as you read Acts this week? What ideas is He trying to birth in your heart? What new ministries? What new ideas? 

It is time to step out!!