Embedded Files
✍️ Ayodeji Oludapo
📅 April 24, 2025
📖 Scripture
“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. ‘Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people all about this new life.’” — Acts 5:19–20 (NIV)
💡Devotional Thoughts
The early Church was born into a world of opposition. The apostles, carrying the message of a resurrected Savior, quickly became targets of religious leaders who felt threatened by their boldness and miracles. Instead of silencing them, persecution became the fuel that spread the fire of the gospel even further.
In Acts 5, the apostles were thrown into prison for healing and teaching in the name of Jesus. But that wasn't the end. In the dead of night, God sent an angel—not to remove them from danger forever, but to release them back into the middle of the conflict with a bold command: “Go, stand in the temple courts… tell the people all about this new life.”
This is the heartbeat of the gospel: it thrives in opposition. The darkness cannot overcome the light. When the enemy tries to silence the message, God opens prison doors and gives His people the courage to stand again.
Today, countless missionaries and believers still risk safety, comfort, and reputation to carry the message of Jesus. Some labor in hidden places where the Bible is banned. Others are in cities and schools, quietly being a light in secular spaces.
Let’s support them:
Pray for them daily—for courage, protection, and fruit.
Give generously—missions often rely on faithful supporters.
Encourage them—a letter, a message, a word of hope can go far.
When we support gospel carriers, we become part of their ministry.
🔎 Practical Reflection
Are you facing shame or resistance because of your faith? Perhaps you’re the only believer in your workplace or family. Maybe your commitment to Christ makes others uncomfortable. Maybe you’ve been mocked, excluded, or misunderstood.
Be encouraged: the same God who sent an angel to free the apostles is with you. He hasn't changed. You may feel confined or discouraged, but God is able to open doors—literal or figurative—and call you back to stand and speak for Him.
🕊️ Closing Thoughts
The gospel has never spread by ease or popularity. It moves through sacrifice, obedience, and supernatural courage. The opposition you're facing today may be the very stage God is using to show His power through you. So, don't hide. Don’t let shame or fear dim the light you carry. Stand. Speak. Shine.
🙏 Prayer
Lord, thank You for the boldness of the apostles who refused to be silenced. Thank You for the reminder that opposition is not a sign of Your absence, but often a sign of Your presence at work. Strengthen me to stand for the gospel, even when it's hard. Give me the courage to speak truth, even when it costs me. May I remember that You are still opening prison doors and empowering Your people to proclaim Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Google Sites
Report abuse