Hosanna Restoration Church

As one year closes with a reminder to be diligent and turn from indifference, it makes sense that this would all be in preparation for what lies ahead. While we may not know exactly what it is that is coming, we can be sure that God is for us and the Holy Spirit will empower us to share the Good News about Jesus.

Who would have seen the murder of Stephen as preparation for anything good? And yet God in His typical fashion shows how He can turn the worst of things into something good. Saul became so blood thirsty that he went searching for more opportunities to devastate the church. Ultimately, Jesus met him on the road and in an instant his life was changed and he was prepared for one of the greatest ministries of all. Don’t let anything cause you to doubt for even a moment that God is greater than any circumstance.

All the believers except for the apostles fled, but where did they go and what did they do? They went everywhere telling everyone the Good News. This is a reminder to us to get away from the things that plague us and as we go keep our hearts, minds, and speech on Jesus. Far too often we can get so focused on what is wrong that we have no witness for Jesus even if we are trying to share His goodness, because we show no evidence that He really is good and that He is bigger than any problem.

However, if we go in the power of God we will see the miracles of God taking place all around us. This was the case with Philip. So many miracles took place as he went that even the local sorcerer started to follow him and watch what he was doing. As a result, Simon believed in Jesus and was baptized and followed Philip everywhere he went. He was there when Peter and John came and he saw the people receive the Holy Spirit. He was so impressed that he offered money so he could do it. I know that Peter rebuked him for this, but I am not sure it was so wrong of him. He did not know any better. Could it be that it was just his way of getting everything there was of God? Let’s face it. Peter did not do everything perfectly all the time.

If in fact Simon had some bitterness and sin left to deal with, that is not the end of the world. After all, Simon was quick to ask them to pray for him. He did not get indignant and walk off feeling sorry for himself. Simon was in fact zealous for the things of God. I wonder how many of God’s saints today are as open to correction as Simon was. Personally, I think Peter could have been kinder in his rebuke, but what ever the case, God’s purpose was accomplished.

I pray that all of our hearts will be prepared to make this year the most miraculous and fruitful year any of us have ever experienced. Don’t let anything discourage you or hold you back. Prepare for the power of God and do whatever it takes to walk in it!