God’s Mission Cannot Be Stopped — Day 1
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Day 1: God's Unstoppable Mission
Devotional
Have you ever experienced a setback that seemed to derail your plans? In Acts 15, we see something similar happen with Paul and Barnabas. These two spiritual giants, who had served side by side, found themselves in such sharp disagreement that they parted ways. On the surface, this looks like a ministry disaster—a partnership fractured, plans disrupted, and unity broken. But God had a different perspective. What appeared to be a ministry failure actually became a ministry multiplication. Instead of one missionary team, there were now two: Paul with Silas, and Barnabas with Mark. The gospel spread further and faster because of this apparent setback. This story reminds us that God's purposes cannot be thwarted—not by our disagreements, not by our limitations, and certainly not by our failures. When we face obstacles in our service to God, we can take comfort knowing that He specializes in working through imperfect people and difficult situations. Today, whatever challenges you're facing in your walk with Christ or in your ministry efforts, remember that God's mission moves forward regardless. He doesn't need perfect circumstances or perfect people. He simply uses willing hearts, even when they don't always see eye to eye.
And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. - Acts 15:39-41
Reflection Question
Think about a time when a setback or disappointment in your life actually led to unexpected blessings or opportunities. How might God be using current challenges in your life to advance His purposes in ways you can't yet see?
"God's mission doesn't stop.
In fact, it moves forward and multiplies."
~Pastor Mike Mura
Prayer
Lord, thank You that Your plans cannot be thwarted. Help me trust that You're working even through difficulties and disappointments. Give me eyes to see how You might be multiplying Your work through situations that seem like setbacks to me. Amen.