The Holy Spirit has this funny and sometimes (oftentimes) annoying habit of showing up when we least expect her, in and through people we least expect her to be. Such is the way of God. Throughout the book of Acts we are given a glimpse into the world of the early church. Communities trying to figure out what it meant to be a follower of Jesus in a world that really didn’t know who Jesus was. People trying to understand how to carry out the ministry God was calling them to in the midst of a lot of other demands on their time and energy. People and communities of faith trying to forge a new pathway forward as faithful people. Their story, when we listen closely, parallels a lot of our story. Their challenges are not unlike ours. And even as they encounter challenges, they continue to preach and teach, and in doing so, the strangest thing happens: unbelievers come to believe. That’s the power of the Holy Spirit.
Where and with whom might we be surprised to see the Holy Spirit showing up?
God, you call us to proclaim your good news, to be your hands and feet. Help us see your Spirit in action, particularly in and through surprising places and people. Amen. —