Unstoppable! 'God's Timing and Guidance' — Acts 11:11

Thursday, June 20, 2024

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[Peter continued explaining what happened with Cornelius, saying:] "Just then three men who had been sent from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were staying."

— Acts 11:11 NLT

Key Thought

God used three messengers, visions, and messages in his plan of leading Cornelius to conversion. (See yesterday's devotional.) In addition to sending Peter the same vision three times (Acts 10:9-16), God also directed Cornelius to send messengers to convey his desire to learn God's truth, and Cornelius sent three men (Acts 10:7-8). This combination of visions, human messengers, angelic messengers, and the leading of the Holy Spirit made clear to Peter that God was at work in what was happening with Cornelius. The sequencing and timing of these events showed the Lord's hand in orchestrating them. God's guidance and timing convinced Peter. The combination of all the factors also proved to be essential in overcoming the skepticism of critics and questioners in Jerusalem. Jesus had promised his message would be unstoppable because the Holy Spirit would empower his disciples to be his witnesses. Peter stepped into the center of the Spirit's fulfillment of Jesus' promise in the life of Cornelius.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, my loving Father, thank you for Luke's story of the early church in Acts. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for opening the way for Gentiles to come into God's family and for God to graft them into his chosen people. Please use whatever means are necessary to awaken us from our lack of vision, passion, and commitment to reach the lost world with the message of Jesus. We invite you to work through us to bring your promises to fulfillment in our day. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Genesis 12:1-3; Romans 11:11-24
  • Acts 1:1-10, 28:17-31

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 11:11 NLT — [Peter continued explaining what happened with Cornelius, saying:] "Just then three men who had been sent from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were staying."

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.

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