Unstoppable! 'The Unstoppable Spirit' — Acts 8:39-40

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

When [Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch] came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea.

— Acts 8:39-40 NLT

Key Thought

When we read the story of the early believers in the book of Acts, we see that the message of Jesus was unstoppable. The men and women who believed in Jesus were unstoppable, as well. The joy of salvation filled the new believers, just like this Ethiopian experienced. And, all were propelled, inspired, empowered, and led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised the Spirit would help them change the world with the Good News (Acts 1:8), and they did (Acts 17:2-6 ESV). The Spirit of God is unstoppable! The question we must ask is this: Am I open to being led by the Spirit to do the work of Jesus in my world today?

Today's Prayer

O Father, pour out your Spirit in power on us. I commit to do what the Spirit leads me to do to honor Jesus and to go where the Spirit calls me to share Jesus' grace. Because of the Spirit at work within me, I know that you can do more through me than I can ask or even think.* So, dear Father, open my eyes to what you long for the Spirit to do through me to honor you and to share Jesus. In his name, I pray. Amen.

* See Ephesians 3:14-21 and Paul's prayer for these vital concepts about the Spirit's work through each of us.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 3:14-21
  • Acts 1:1-11, Acts 6:8-10; 1 Corinthians 4:20

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Led to Another Mission
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away,..."
On His Way Rejoicing
Illustration of Acts 8:39 NLT
Illustration of Acts 8:39 NLT -- When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing.
The Immersion of Joy
Devo: Unstoppable!
"As [Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch] rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Look! There's some water! Why can't I be baptized?"....."
Servants to the Nations
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, Two powerful themes from the Bible converge in this one story in today's Scripture about Philip and the Ethiopian dignitary:After My..."
See All 5 Related Resources about Acts 8:39-40

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 8:39-40 NLT — When [Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch] came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Meanwhile, Philip found himself farther north at the town of Azotus. He preached the Good News there and in every town along the way until he came to Caesarea.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, May 7, 2025

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Contrary to the Spirit' (Ga. 5:17-18)
"For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'My Enemy Does Not Shout in Victory over Me'
"By this I know that You favor and delight in me, Because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Genesis 3:8
"My soul, now that the cool of the day has come, retire awhile and hearken to the voice of thy God. He is always ready to speak with thee when thou art..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
1 Peter 1:24
"All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!