The Book of Acts: Week 6 - Devotion 2

Intro: The power of the Holy Spirit is immense! As Paul is preaching, a terrible incident happens that Paul casually resolves with the Holy Spirit and trust in God.

Text: Read Acts 20:7-16 

Information: This account begins with a very special meeting. The Apostle Paul is about to leave for Macedonia, but before he does he breaks bread and begins to preach. And preach. And preach…..untill MIDNIGHT!!! Eventually Eutychus would fall asleep as Paul continued to preach well into the hours of the night. Now Eutychus, sitting by a window would slump over in his slumber and fall out of the third story of the building they were in, and die. 

Notice how Paul responds. He is not fearful. He is not saddened by what has happened. Instead Paul is very calm and casual. He meets Eutychus’ body on the ground and says calmly, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” And then Paul just walks back upstairs and breaks bread, and continues to still preach until the morning, and Eutychus went home, alive. 

Miracles like this are so normal to Paul because he fully sees and understands how powerful the Spirit is. Paul knows how great and mighty God is and he has no doubts in what God can do. Maybe we should be more like Paul, who is so sure and so firm in his faith that he fears nothing, even death. 

Questions

- What areas in your life fill you with the most fear?

- How can you be more like Paul and trust in God with the same confidence?

- What does your current rhythm of hearing and engaging with Scripture look like - and what is one intentional step you can take this week to prioritize it more?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I/we ask that You grow us in my/our faith in You. May I/we trust You in every situation, with unwavering confidence and persistence that can never be shaken. Give me/us the courage to boldly speak the name of Jesus, in every situation in our life. That I/we build everything upon You, for You are the firm and true foundation. Amen.