I realize that time moves forth at its steady pace, but it just seems like this year can’t be almost done. Father, I pray that in these last few days You will be able to use me to bring glory, not to myself, but to You. Amen.
Acts 1:1-5 (<<click here to read the passage)
So, was turning the world upside down just a thing that the early followers of Christ were able to do, or are we able to accomplish great world-changing things for God’s Kingdom, too?
Well, I think we are equal to them in the areas of being ordinary, wouldn’t you? Just as they were, we are frail. And when it comes to limitations, I for one excel in that area! How about you?
But there is one key ingredient that we cannot do without. If we do not have the Holy Spirit infilling and directing us, if we’re not submissive to those things, we cannot help but fail. It’s not a cakewalk for sure, but if fishermen, tax collectors, and tent makers succeeded in allowing the Holy Spirit’s influence upon their lives, so can we!
If we are followers of Christ, His Spirit fills us. We are walking examples of the Gospel – the Good News. Jesus took upon Himself our sin, and when we in faith accepted His gracious gift of forgiveness, salvation was ours…and that is the Good News!
In my initial research, I came across an excellent article entitled, 3 Ways to Turn the World Upside Down (click the title to read the article), but I want to just hit the highlights.
I wrote that Paul and Silas were said to be “men who have turned the world upside down…” Acts 17:6 AMP So, with the Holy Spirit guiding them, what did they do? There are very practical and tangible things that played a major role in them impacting the world for the Kingdom.
1) They saw.
If we want to be used by God to turn the world upside down, it starts with seeing. It starts with simply opening our eyes and being observant of the culture around us. It starts with asking God to show us what He’s seeing.
We can’t see if all we do is stay locked in our homes with a computer screen or TV in front of us. May God open our eyes…at work, at school, out shopping, even in church. May we see with His eyes and may it motivate us to act.
2) They spoke.
They turned the world upside down because they simply dialogued with people. They had conversations.
We struggle here. Our goal should be to have intentional dialogue with whomever God places in our path. If He leads us there, He can use us there. No theological degree is required, just speak of what God has done for us, in simple, easy-to-understand terms. Pray, and God will honor our efforts.
So, I would suggest that we focus on seeing what God sees – pray for that! – and pray also for boldness and grace. That’s what’s holding us back, isn’t it? We’re scared to talk. What if we’re rejected? What if we’re laughed at? What if we fail…again?
“What ifs” just hold us back. Pray and then step out on faith knowing that the Holy Spirit will never leave our side! He’ll be with us every step of the way. But He can’t use us if we don’t put ourselves out there.
And that’s how the world is turned upside down. God does it by using us for we are far more than useless!
Dec 1st, 2021, Wed, 7:16 pm
