Scripture: Acts 1:8

Devotion

You were once afraid to jump into the deep end of the pool. (Or maybe you still are.)

I’ve helped many people learn to swim, and no one is fearless the first time. Some overcome their fear in minutes, others take all summer, but the feeling is the same—standing at the edge, unsure if they can trust what’s waiting below.

When I taught my own kids, their fear changed when they saw me in the water. Knowing their dad was there gave them confidence to jump. With each leap, they trusted more until they could jump freely on their own.

In the same way, many believers feel afraid when they hear Jesus’ call to be His witnesses “in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (v.8). Surely that call is for someone else, right?

Acts 1:8 gives us two powerful truths.

First, God calls us to more than sitting on the sidelines. We are not meant to watch from the pool chairs; we are invited into the water. He intends to use each of us to share His story.

Second, we are never called to go alone. God is in the water with us, empowering and guiding us through His Holy Spirit.

It may be scary to jump at first, but trust grows with every leap.

A Personal Prayer

Don’t ask God if you’re called to be a witness; instead, ask who He is calling you to witness to. Ask God to give you confidence in the power, support, and guidance of the Holy Spirit as you take a faithful leap into His will for your life.

Pray for Our Neighbors: His Holy Hill

His Holy Hill, led by Pastor Mo Obayomi in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, partners with Brentwood Baptist in the vision to establish 100+ healthy churches across Middle Tennessee. With a diverse and prayer-driven congregation, His Holy Hill is committed to worship, discipleship, and unity in Christ.

• Pray for Pastor Mo and the leadership team to lead with wisdom, strength, and encouragement in their mission.
• Ask God to foster unity among the diverse body of believers at His Holy Hill, drawing members closer to Him and one another.
• Pray for the church to be a catalyst for gospel transformation throughout Murfreesboro.

Pray for the Nations: Global Workers | Matthew & Julia

Matthew and Julia coordinate outreach programs in Southeastern Europe, sharing Christ’s love through therapy, sports, and community health initiatives. They lead two house-church groups and celebrate new believers coming to faith through their ministry.

• Pray for individuals close to making faith decisions to fully embrace the gospel and follow Jesus.
• Ask God to give Matthew and Julia wisdom and discernment as they plan next steps and expand their outreach.
• Pray for additional team members to join their work so the gospel continues to multiply through their ministry.