Friday, September 9 – Acts 9:42-43

It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And Peter stayed in Joppa many days with a tanner named Simon.

There are types of news that seem to spread like a wildfire. Whether it is from excitement, fear, or grief, there are certain things that are so groundbreaking we have to share with others. Even though the miracle Peter performed—through the power of the Holy Spirit—was done in private, that did not limit its impact. The news of Tabitha’s resurrection spread like wildfire, and as a result, many people believed.

In the verses from yesterday, recall how Peter called the “saints and widows” together to witness the testimony of God at work. Imagine what would have happened if they had all said, “Wow, that’s so cool!” . . . but then went on with their lives. The fact that they left and shared the testimony with everyone they encountered contributed to many believing in the whole region of Joppa. What would happen if we shared about the wonders of what God is doing in our lives with the same tenacity as those that heard the story of Tabitha? Too often our complaints spread faster than our glory to God for what He is doing in our lives. Like the people in Joppa, we have been changed by a resurrection. We have seen an amazing transformation from death to life through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are forgiven people, living in freedom through Christ with our eyes set upon an eternal, unfailing hope. May this good news of the gospel spread like wildfire in our neighborhoods and communities so that many may believe and be transformed as well.

• What kind of news is easiest for you to share? Why?
• Do you treat God’s work as news worth sharing? Why or why not?
• Pray and ask God to transform your mindset and help you see the gospel and the testimony of what God is doing in your life as news worth sharing.