HE will do it
I was reading in Acts the other day, particularly in Chapter 5, and I saw something that seemed to jump right off the page at me. We see how the gospel spread like wildfire through Jerusalem during the previous chapters. But not everyone was “gung-ho” about it. The apostles were beaten and imprisoned by the religious leaders, who ordered them not to preach in the name of Jesus anymore. Of course, they did not listen, saying they had to obey God rather than men.
But here is what got my attention. A Pharisee named Gamaliel stood up in the assembly. All the religious leaders were arguing as they tried to figure out what to do with the apostles.
Then he (Gamaliel) addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He, too, was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case, I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But, if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:35-39
I thought this was so powerful, especially verse 39. Obviously, the apostles’ message was from God because it is still spreading and growing today!
That scripture also reminded me of Revelation 3:7b which says,
These are the words of Him who is holy and true, Who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open.”
I was thinking about these portions of scripture regarding the promises of God. If God has promised you something, whether it be a prayer you’ve prayed, an opportunity, or your calling – HE will do it.
Matthew Henry writes in his commentary: “He openeth, and no man shutteth; He shutteth, and no man openeth; He works to will and to do, and when He works, none can hinder.”
I have to be honest; I have felt so overwhelmed and stressed lately. The last few months of 2021 were challenging for several reasons. Still, I have literally just realized that it is because I have been striving to make it in my own power. I’ve left my sacred time with Jesus by the wayside (no wonder I’ve been struggling with exhaustion, burn-out, frustration, and a sense of being overwhelmed!) I live so much in the future – what will I do and accomplish – that I forget to live in the moment. What is God calling me to do today?
I have not figured it all out, but I am on my way to healing. I realized that I must come to a place of surrender once more, a place of knowing that what He has called me to do, HE will do it. It’s never been by my own power. HE will see that it is accomplished–in His timing and by His grace.
It’s so simple and yet so profound, isn’t it? If you relate to this in any way, I hope you will pray this with me today.
“Jesus, I confess that I have been trying to accomplish [whatever it is] on my
own. Forgive me for any pride I have allowed in my heart. I humbly submit
myself to You and the high-calling You have placed on my life. I love You.
In Your holy and precious Name, Amen.”
I know that distraction and stress are tools that the enemy uses to get my eyes off Jesus, and it’s a good reminder to always bring my focus back to Him. He will open and shut the doors, and no amount of my own striving will open or close them. Let Him do “His thing,” dear one. He will give
and accomplish – that I forget to live in the moment. What is God calling me to do today?
I have not figured it all out, but I am on my way to healing. I realized that I must come to a place of surrender once more, a place of knowing that what He has called me to do, HE will do it. It’s never been by my own power. HE will see that it is accomplished–in His timing and by His grace.
It’s so simple and yet so profound, isn’t it? If you relate to this in any way, I hope you will pray this with me today.
“Jesus, I confess that I have been trying to accomplish [whatever it is] on my
own. Forgive me for any pride I have allowed in my heart. I humbly submit
myself to You and the high-calling You have placed on my life. I love You.
In Your holy and precious Name, Amen.”
I know that distraction and stress are tools that the enemy uses to get my eyes off Jesus, and it’s a good reminder to always bring my focus back to Him. He will open and shut the doors, and no amount of my own striving will open or close them. Let Him do “His thing,” dear one. He will give you the grace and strength to partner with Holy Spirit.
Nicole Boyd
Sanctioned Love