ACTS 19: Get rid of something that’s holding you back
We’re over half way through this journey through the Book of Acts – it’s certainly quite a ride!
If you’re just joining us, welcome aboard! We’re reading a chapter a day and I’m providing a link to the chapter in the NIV(UK) version, but you can of course read the chapter in whatever version you like. I’ve been sharing some short reflections, but the important part is the last part: ACTION.
I wonder how you’ve been getting on with the short challenges I’ve been setting…
READ: Acts 19
REFLECTION: The Holy Spirit at work in us is what defines us as Christians. The Holy Spirit moves in power: the power of love, of healing, of new life, of hope. The Holy Spirit leads us in a better way of living and loving, doing and being.
We are not all going to be Paul. What goes on in this chapter is truly astounding. The amazing work that the Holy Spirit is doing in us and through us may not look that remarkable to others. But we know. We know that without the Holy Spirit, our lives would be very different.
The name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honour. Lives were being changed. And in changing lives, the whole fabric of society was being changed. A whole industry would become potentially redundant, because of this change of heart and lifestyle. Just imagine the industries in modern society that would be no longer required if everyone turned to follow the Way!
ACTION: Get rid of something that’s holding you back
This is a tough one. There may not be anything that readily springs to mind. I’m just wondering if you’re keeping something that is holding you back from moving on with God, something that tempts you back to old thoughts and behaviours that aren’t helpful.
Letting go of the way things were can be difficult and painful, but sometimes physically getting rid of something can be a symbolic act of letting go.
Burning a letter for example. I think that’s what I’m going to do. I have a letter that reminds me of a difficult time. There are words in it that hurt me and drag me down every time I read it. I want to be free from the contents of that letter. And so I will find it and burn it today.
