By Andrew Williams
“…He [Sergius Paulus, the proconsul] summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.” – Acts 13:7 (ESV)
Good morning fellow disciples.
Acts 13:7 highlights Barnabas’ growing influence and the open doors that God was providing for him and Saul to share the Gospel. On their first missionary journey to Cyprus, the Roman proconsul, Sergius Paulus, sought out Barnabas and Saul, expressing a desire to hear the word of God. This passage underscores that God often prepares the hearts of those in positions of authority and influence, creating opportunities for His message to be heard.
As a disciple, you may not always have direct access to those in positions of power, but you can pray for them, and you can trust that God can open doors for you to influence others for His Kingdom. Barnabas’ example reminds you that God can use your faithfulness, your character, and your gifting to create opportunities for you to share the Gospel with people from all walks of life.
This week, pray specifically for those in positions of authority in your community, your nation, and around the world. Ask God to soften their hearts, to open their minds to the truth, and to create opportunities for them to hear the Gospel. Be prepared to share your faith with anyone God brings across your path, trusting that He can use your words to plant seeds of truth.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I lift up those in positions of authority and influence. Soften their hearts, open their minds to the truth, and create opportunities for them to hear the Gospel. Help me to be a faithful witness to your love and your truth, so that I may impact the lives of others for your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
