We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:20)
My first sermon was approximately ten minutes long—after repeating each point and adding a lengthy quotation. I don’t remember the title or the main points, so thinking that anyone else did would be a stretch. But I believe it spoke to someone. Even if my words were not eloquent or lengthy, I’m sure that God met a need with my assignment. And I’m sure that God matched my assignment with his anointing. Excusing myself from the speaking engagement was not an option.
Peter and John did not have options either. They were doing what God called them to do. As his disciples, they witnessed the miraculous life and ministry of Jesus. Their message came from their hearts, hearts overflowing with love for Jesus. Filled with the Holy Spirit, an ordinary speaking opportunity was transformed into an extraordinary anointing. The stark reaction of the audience (both negative and positive) was proof of its spiritual power.
While we do not know what they said, we know how it impacted their audience—including their critics. Eloquent or not, their words in the hands of the Spirit stirred hearts. God can do the same with us, turning our ordinary offerings into extraordinary movements of his Spirit. In his kingdom, even our setbacks or pushbacks can be an advantage in God’s hands.
Remember that you can do anything God calls you to do.
Jerry Brecheisen is an author and ordained elder who served The Wesleyan Church as a pastor and director of communications at the headquarters in Indiana.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
