By Andrew Williams
Romans 15:18-19 (NLT): “For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, in order to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, by signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.”
Good morning fellow disciples.
Let us reflect on the awe-inspiring power of God, manifested through the miraculous works of His servants.
Paul doesn’t boast of his own abilities; he attributes all his accomplishments to Christ working through him. His ministry was characterized by “signs and wonders,” miraculous works that confirmed the truth of the Gospel and demonstrated God’s power. These weren’t mere parlor tricks; they were tangible demonstrations of God’s grace, designed to draw people to faith in Christ. The geographical scope—“from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum”—underscores the widespread impact of Paul’s ministry, a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel message accompanied by the manifest power of God. The miracles weren’t the primary focus; they served as a powerful confirmation of the message, opening hearts and minds to the truth of the Gospel.
Empowerment from the Verse: This passage empowers us with the knowledge that God is still at work in the world today, still performing miracles through His people. It reminds us that His power is not limited by time or circumstance; He can use anyone who is willing to be used by Him. It empowers us to believe in the possibility of miracles, to pray for God’s intervention in our lives and the lives of others, and to trust in His ability to accomplish His purposes through us. It encourages us to live lives of faith, expecting God to act in powerful and transformative ways.
Your Task: Today, I urge you to pray for boldness and faith to share the Gospel with others. Don’t be afraid to trust God to work through you, even in seemingly small ways. Be open to His leading, trusting that He may use you as an instrument of His grace, bringing healing, restoration, and transformation to those around you. Remember, the miracles in Paul’s ministry were not an end in themselves; they were a means to an end—to bring people to obedience to Christ. Let our lives be a reflection of that same commitment, seeking to share the transformative power of the Gospel with all we encounter.
Prayer: Father God, we thank You for the power You have demonstrated throughout history and continue to demonstrate today. Empower us to believe in the possibility of miracles, to pray for Your intervention in our lives and the lives of others, and to trust in Your ability to accomplish Your purposes through us. May our lives be a testament to Your power and Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.