Session 20

You can’t push God’s love away

From Acts: A 28-Day Devotional

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Paul heads back to Jerusalem while encouraging and saying goodbye to people who supported him on his travels.

Following Jesus took Paul on quite the adventure. Paul battled through tears, overwhelming opposition, loneliness, and weariness, but he never gave up on his calling. 

Along the way, Paul found friends who became his family. He saw miracle after miracle, including bringing a young boy back to life (Acts 20:9-10). Leaving Ephesus was heartbreaking, but Spirit-led. Paul had been so transformed by Jesus’ love that he was willing to follow Him no matter the cost. 

The radical good news Paul preached is the same Gospel we’ve received: While we were still sinners, Jesus died to save us. We did nothing to earn Jesus’ love, and nothing we do can ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). 

The Holy Spirit leads each us into cities, jobs, and relationships, just like He led Paul. The schools we attend, the jobs we hold, the kids we raise — none of these things happen by accident. God places people all around us who need to hear the good news. The miracle you coworkers or classmates need could start with you. 

Like Paul, we will have days where we want to give up and moments where the Holy Spirit’s leading leads us to tears. But God promises to be with us through it all, just like He was with Paul. 

Reflect:

• What does this passage teach us about God? How does it apply to you?
• Has discouragement kept you from telling someone else about Jesus? What's one piece of encouragement you can draw from reading about Paul's life and ministry?