May 31, 2010
Acts 18
Pastor JoAn Blackmon
I’ve lived in 7 states and changed addresses about 20 times in my life and every single time I thought I had perfectly good reasons for moving to the next place. But as we learned in the last chapter, and what I’m not sure I realized each time I moved, is this--- God had already picked out each residence for me. (“From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” Acts 17:26 NIV)
We can understand why God so carefully positions where we live and work in this 18th chapter of Acts. “…Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had been expelled from Italy as a result of Claudius Caesar’s order to deport all Jews from Rome.” Acts 18:1-2
If you follow the story of Paul’s life, we find that Aquila & Priscilla became dear friends of his. In fact, almost immediately they invited him to live with them and work with them. (18:3) They joined Paul for part of his missionary travels (18:18), opened their home as a meeting place for the early church (Romans 16:5) and mentored other rising church leaders (Acts 18:24-28) resulting in tremendous success. In fact, when Paul sent them greetings in writing to the Romans (16:3-5) he called them co-workers in his ministry and thanked them for risking their lives to save his!
How did this amazing ministry team get its start? Because a couple of newcomers shook hands and introduced themselves. Because somehow in their conversation, they found shared faith. And because coincidentally, their partnership just made sense.
Today, why don’t you thank the Lord for positioning you in a strategic place for the Kingdom of God? Thank Him that not far from your home or business address, is someone you can encourage and help in some way. Then look for ways to make it happen. After all, it’s why He put you there!
Did you know? Pastor JoAn worked in the area of finance and investments for 10 years before transitioning to church pastoral ministry.
