The answer within world crises
Acts 16:19~31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” (31)
♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #95 O Thou, in Whose Presence (#82 in previous version)
Most people, when faced with problems or crises, make an effort to resolve them. However, what is vital is discovering God’s blessings within those problems and crises. The Early Church knew that all crises were opportunities for answers and always sought out the blessings in all incidents. Knowing this truth, we must uncover blessings in our daily schedules.
1. Filling of the Holy Spirit
You must always enjoy the filling of the Holy Spirit and gain strength through prayer. Then the work of all of God’s works being fulfilled will take place. Paul who knew this never concerned himself with anything else and fasted while praying to receive the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And when the doors to evangelism were closed, rather than using humanism, he received even greater answers through prayer. Searching for a place of prayer, Paul met Lydia and even performed the work of healing a demon-possessed person. Moreover, in prison, the prison doors opened when he sang praises and prayed, and the prison ward received salvation.
2. Absolute time schedule
When you enjoy the absolute time schedule prepared by God, the works will arise. After healing a demon-possessed person, Paul was imprisoned, but a crucial time schedule existed there. He also met Lydia while looking for a place of prayer, and Lydia’s heart was opened through that meeting. Likewise, in prison, Paul enjoyed God’s absolute time schedule of saving the prison ward and his entire family.
3. The greater door of evangelism
God works when you discard thoughts of benefiting yourself. Although Paul was a citizen of Rome, he did not utilize his authority or strength. The reason was because he saw a greater door of evangelism. In addition, he considered all other things, besides the Gospel, rubbish and gave the important confession of wanting to be discovered by Christ. Also, he cast himself aside to the extent that he confessed that he has died and Christ lives through him, and said that he is who he is by the grace of God.
-A child of God who possesses the Gospel must be capable of discovering God’s plan and blessings amidst problems and crises. For greater doors of evangelism, cast yourself aside and enter into God’s grace, even today.
Business & Industry Missions Message / 2010.3.20