III. We should also continue to elevate God’s work.
Because Paul promoted God’s work and advanced God’s work, God also uses Paul to elevate it. God multiplied the ministry of Paul. When we elevate God’s work, we better…
A. Be prepared to help others (Read Acts 28:9)
Paul’s obedience to God shook the small island of Malta. People poured out of the woodworks to find out about this new power that had come to their tiny little island. They wanted to know this God who healed.
For three months, Paul had the undivided attention of the people of Malta. The sick went to Paul for healing. God’s work was multiplied over and over, and Paul was ready to serve every person. Being marooned on this island had not stopped Paul. A viper had not stopped Paul. God directed that ship by wind to this island because God was looking to change these people.
Helping others should also lead us to…
B. Be prepared for others who help (Read Acts 28:10)
Paul’s work brought glory to God’s name. God in time blesses Paul through the generosity of the people. They sought to honor God’s servant. The curiosity seekers had become ministry partners.
The more Paul reached out to the people, the more God made provision for the ministry. Paul did not focus on his wants and desires, and this kept him alert to the needs of others. Selfless service brought others who wanted to help.
The financial problems of the world are all too well known to all of us. Even ministries are struggling to continue to serve in the midst of this crisis. Angel Food Ministries is not any different. Let me tell you a little about this ministry:
“Angel Food Ministries has a 160,000 square-foot warehouse in Monroe, Georgia. Each month, ten semi-trucks from Good Hope Trucking, three AFM semis, and 65 tractor trailers are loaded and pull out to deliver food to approximately 500,000 families!
It takes more than 45,000 volunteers at more than 3500 host sites, and 210 employees to get the job done. Angel Food Ministries is a joint effort!”
I read in the Walton Tribune that Angel Food has to lay off workers so they can lower the prices of their food distribution. They are a ministry that has multiplied because they were prepared to serve others, and I am certain God is preparing people to come to their aid in the moment of their crisis.
God will blow us to where He is working if we learn how to shake off the vipers trying to keep us from elevating His ministry. But, let me ask a series of questions:
Are we prepared to serve others? Are we prepared to make room for those who want to return this help?
Are we prepared to go into the meetings of our governments to find out how we can serve our community? Are we prepared to attend school board meeting to see how the church can aid in our schools? Are we prepared to go to schools and ask principals what they need? Are we prepared to teach English to those legally here needing a hand up?
Are we prepared to elevate the work of God to honor His name while we are in the middle of a crisis? God wants to know. A community that is suffering wants to know... (the finish later)
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