The Mighty Deeds of God: “Only God”
Acts 2:11, NLT
“And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”
“And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” (Acts 2:11 NLT)
“Only God could have done that!”
Have you ever heard this statement before?
You might have even had one or two of those moments in your own life. That is what we are going to focus on between now and the end of the year. Are you praying for, looking for, and anticipating something that only God can do?
Acts 2 describes a pivotal moment in Christian history. Jesus had ascended to the Father, the disciples waited for the Holy Spirit, and there was a sweet spirit of unity among those early believers. Then it happened just as Jesus had told them; the Holy Spirit came upon those Christ-followers and their lives were forever changed. The Church of Jesus Christ was born, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and people began hearing about the great things of God. But here is what was different. They were hearing the testimonies of Jesus in their own languages. Acts 2:11 says it this way, “And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” NLT
This was an “only God” moment. There was no human explanation, no man-made manipulation, and no trickery or sorcery. This was God Himself. This was something only God could do! It was an act of evangelism. The people’s testimony of God’s mighty deeds, followed by the preaching of God’s Word clearly led to many being saved.
A Question to Ponder
Are you giving testimony to the “wonderful things God has done” in your life? Do you share them with your children, your grandchildren, your friends, your co-workers, and those in your circle of influence? But maybe there is a question to ask even before this one.
Do you see the wonderful works of God in your life today?
Do you see God working all around you in the lives of your loved ones, or even in your own church? Do you see God at work and are you joyfully sharing the work of God with others?
A Real Life Story
As you know Gina and I are parents to two adult children and grandparents to six! We are overwhelmed with the mighty deeds of God we see happening in the lives of our children and their families. Both families are growing in Christ Jesus and seeing the fruit of God’s blessings as a result. Both families are active in their churches, not just as participants, but serving, sacrificing, giving, and leading in their churches. Yes, these are the mighty, the wonderful works of the Holy Spirit in their lives. But there is something specific today that I want to share with you that is something only God can do.
Part of God’s work in our families includes our two oldest granddaughters, Manning and Elizabeth, both 7 years old. Last year, Gina decided to take these two on a discipleship and mentoring adventure. Gina would pick up Elizabeth from school and the two of them would go somewhere and work through their Bibles and a devotional book. You should see the two of them with their Bible, devotional book, and highlighters talking about Jesus. She had to be creative with Manning since she lives in Indiana, be they do the same thing but over FaceTime.
This story may not sound like much to you. And don’t get the idea that this is deep discipleship over critical Bible doctrines. This is simply Gina taking time to talk with our granddaughters about the wonderful things God has done in her life. Both granddaughters have recently given their lives to Jesus. That is a wonderful work of God.
Sometimes we get the idea that wonderful works of God happen to other people or on big stages, but I see miracles happening all around me in my “little world” every day. As we finish out 2024 we can look back at some losses, some hurts, or maybe even some frustrations. Somehow it is very easy to recognize the hard things in life. But what I am asking you to do is join me in looking for the wonderful works of God around you. What are the things occurring in your life or around your life that can only be explained as the wonderful work of God?
What can you see in your world as an “only God” moment?
I look forward to sharing these stories with you each week. And I have a request from you. I would relish the opportunity to hear about the God stories in your life. Please send me your “only God” moment at david@davidsmithministry.com.