and the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. for unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. [acts 8:6-7]
to recap: one of philip’s good friends and co-laborers has just been executed, the church is scattered, massive persecution is happening… and fully convinced that Jesus is the Christ, philip remains faithful and continues to preach the gospel in samaria… and the people listen! what a gift from God to philip. what an encouragement! to perform mighty works through him and soften hearts right in front of his eyes. i think of psalm 73:26
[26] my flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
there was no playbook, there was no battle plan. philip was scattered to samaria, yet his relationship with God and the Holy Spirit in him was more than enough to witness to the samaritans.
that same Holy Spirit is in you and i, believer. that same God who sustained philip when i’m sure he felt like walking away or that he couldn’t go on any longer, is our God. the pressure is off of our performance, because he is more than enough. God is the sustainer, saver, grace giver, and miracle worker. so let’s go out into the world and live and love in that freedom today.
~ john sandman