Staying Power

Text: Acts 9:32-43
Theme: Peter apparently saw the benefit staying can have over traveling from place to place.
Key verses: “Meanwhile, Peter traveled from place to place, and he came down to visit the believers in Lydia. (v. 32). “But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, ‘Please come as soon as possible!” So Peter returned with them; and as soon as they arrived, they took him to the upstairs room…Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, ‘Get up, Tabitha.’ And she opened her eyes!” (v. 38-40a). “The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord. And Peter stayed a long time in Joppa, living with Siomon, a tanner of hides” (v. 42-43).
What God said to me: Dwayne, sometimes you just need to stay. You of all people should understand that. You have traveled on the road from place to place and you have remained in one location at one church. You were effective in both, but in which situation do you believe you made the greatest impact on people? Peter realized that for a season he could make a greater impact if he remained with the people in Joppa. He had a very effective ministry there. He had the respect and trust of the people. He was “set up” for success. Sometimes it’s better to stay with a group of people for a while, so you can invest in their lives and continue to minister to them and their community. Peter was an evangelist, with a gift of healing. But he also had the heart of a pastor to want to see those who were saved then “grow in the grace of knowledge” of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have you in a staying position. Be there. Invest in those precious people–my people. Be content. The day may come again in the future for you to travel. That’s for me to know and you to find out. But for this season of your life and ministry, enjoy the power of staying.
What I said to God: Wow Lord, didn’t see this coming this morning. Thank You for this encouraging reminder and affirmation that I am in the center of Your perfect will. Please forgive me when I take my eyes off of You and allow my flesh to rule me. Help me be content with where You’ve assigned me. I am blessed beyond measure with an incredible church, staff, pastor and volunteers. Because of You, I have the respect and trust of our people. Please work through me and help me bloom where I’m planted for this important (and perhaps final) season of my life. I love You. Help me prove it with my life.