The Courage of Philip

SCRIPTURE
"Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city." (Acts 8:5-8)

OBSERVATION
Here's what's happening in the story of the 1st Christians and the birth of the church. Persecution towards the Christians broke out following the stoning of Stephen. Followers of Jesus were being taken from their homes, thrown in prison, beaten. Saul's intent...destroy the church. But there were those like Philip, who wouldn't cave in to the surroundings of trouble and the possibilities of death. Christians were scattered - yet they preached the Word everywhere. They were bold, courageous, and persistent.

You can take the Christian out of their ‘church" (home or building), but you can't take the church out of their hearts! The church (not the self-serving institution we often run into) is known to be who we are as carriers of Jesus, filled with His Spirit.

APPLICATION
Beneath the surface of my heart is a longing to be used as a servant of Jesus to perform miracles. To do something huge for God's Kingdom. But would I be willing to count the cost and pay the price - whatever that means? I don't know what that would mean but I'm willing to be used. If it meant persecution, sleepless nights, the pressures that would come with being used in such a way: the prayer life, fasting, study and being a man of the Word...getting rid of my pride or self-centeredness... would I be willing???

I like how the verse ended with "so there was great joy in the city". When God uses regular people like you and me to carry and bring His peace, reconciliation, justice, grace, forgiveness, restoration and love to our world... JOY will come to this city.

PRAYER
God, I want to have Philip's courage, determination, focus and clarity. Will you consider blessing me with those characteristics and use me to build Your Kingdom.