Wednesday, May 21, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Acts 23

Since I was little, I have loved to tell stories. As the oldest child in a family of six, I often had a rapt audience, whether it was entertaining the adults or leading my siblings and cousins in imaginative games throughout the backyard. 

This love for storytelling has turned into a passion for writing, and I am now pursuing a college degree in English. However, growing up with two parents who work at a church, there can sometimes be a lingering narrative that my life isn’t as devoted to God as theirs because my chosen career looks different. 

This is far from what God tells us is true, as Paul wrote to one of the early churches.

Colossians 3:23-24
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Whatever career path we take, God is able to bless us and use his power through us. He just asks that we work for him, rather than our own success or a paycheck. He has given us the gifts and skills we need, and he invites us to live on purpose … for a purpose … in everything we do. 

1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

If all of us became pastors or worship leaders or kids’ directors, the world would fall apart. We need teachers, nurses, firefighters, and business owners. We need parents, retail clerks, and finance experts. God designed all of us with different skills, and he wants us to use them to further his kingdom. Even if we aren’t working in the church building, we are still the church, a community of people spreading the Good News.

I trust that God will use my words to make a difference, whether that is through fanfiction, LivingItOut devotionals, or fantasy novels. And I believe the same is true for you. Wherever God has you, whether you are a student, volunteer, or employee, he has surrounded you with people who need to hear about his love - people you have the perfect opportunity to impact. 

Do you see the purpose God has for you, right where you are? 

Questions:
Do you ever doubt whether God can use you to make a difference? What sorts of skills and gifts has God given you? What is one area of your life that you have been overlooking as an opportunity to glorify God?  

Next Steps:
If you haven’t yet, go through GrowthTrack and join the DreamTeam. This is a very practical way to explore how God has gifted you so that you can step into making a difference.

As you go throughout your week, keep your heart open to where God is leading you. Ask him to reveal new ways you can bring glory to his name.

Prayer: 
Father, sometimes I underestimate your power to impact every part of my life. Please give me a soft heart and open eyes to see where you want to use me. I open my whole life to you - where do you want to work? Help me step into this day with purpose, trusting your plan for me, exactly where I am. I love you. Amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

This post was written by Lydia Snyder, a South attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.