TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. Acts 17:4
Read: Acts 17:1–4
Listen: Acts 17
TODAY’S MESSAGE
God delays Paul from entering the province of Asia and the city of Ephesus but provides clear redirection to Paul (see Acts 16:9-10). God detours Paul into the cities of Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea and Corinth. Paul then spends a year and a half in Corinth strengthening the faith of young believers and churches. Later, he writes letters to churches in these cities which make up five books in our New Testament. He continues sharing the Gospel and working with new believers. Many people come to faith in Jesus during this unexpected detour.
Not all detours offer immediate, clear direction. It can be easy for us to think that life will begin “after.” We think that after the cancer is gone, we get that next job, move into a bigger house in a better neighborhood or our family conflict resolves—then we can truly live. Yet life is what is happening now, while we experience these detours. As we seek God’s help and direction, he helps us not waste these detours. His power in and through us can strengthen our faith and ripple into the lives of those around us, even during unwanted detours.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Praise God that he is at work your detours. If you need prayer for a detour you’re experiencing, please email us at btw@adabible.org. We would love to pray with you. “God, I don’t understand my life’s detours. But I trust you in them. May your power work in, through and beyond me in this situation. Amen.”
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is 1 Thessalonians 2.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
