On Both Ends

“One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision…” (Acts 10:3 NIV)

I love this Bible account of Cornelius and Peter. Cornelius is a gentile; yet generous and diligent in prayer. Scripture describes him as God-fearing. One afternoon, he had a vision of an angel from heaven who gave him very specifics instructions about a man named Peter in a far away town called Joppa. Cornelius immediately sent his servants to find that man, despite the journey to Joppa including a twelve hour walk each way.

The next day, as the obedient servants made their way from Caesarea toward Joppa, Peter had a God encounter himself. After lunch, Peter had gone up to the rooftop to pray. He, too, experienced a vision and instructions in the Spirit. He was to meet the men from Caesarea with enthusiasm and follow them back to their master.

Peter also responded with obedience. He opened the door to the gentiles and then he traveled with Cornelius’s men and met up with his whole family and all of his friends in Caesarea. Peter entered the home of Cornelius, despite their cultural differences. Peter preached the gospel and the Holy Spirit fell on all who beard. The Kingdom population grew that day because of obedience in unusual circumstances.

It’s incredible and faith-building to see God at work on both ends of a situation. God was with Cornelius in Caesarea through his devotion and soul searching. God was also with Peter in Joppa in his afternoon prayer session. And in the midst of all this, the Spirit of God saw fit to bring these two faithful people together to expand His kingdom here on earth. How exciting!

I’ve witnessed such God movements myself over the years. Most recently, it happened here in Columbus and in Brenham alike. The Columbus church became pastor-less in October 2019, right about the time that Rob and I arrived in Brenham. The Columbus church wrestled through some things (including the pandemic) while we tried our best to settle back into youth ministry. We never could quite find our footing, though. And right about the time we began actively searching for our next appointment, Columbus was ready to bring on new pastors. God was at work on both ends of the equation: He brings hearts and lives into alignment for Kingdom benefit.

It is so thrilling to look back and see His fingerprints; to put together the full picture of His involvement. We are comforted and our confidence in Him is bolstered when we see His perfect plan in the rear view mirror. He is not a God of happenstance. No, He truly does work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

There’s the big question, though. Romans 8:28 isn’t just a trite scripture we can put in our pocket and pull out to insulate us from life’s disappointments. It’s a litmus test for our faithfulness. Do we love Him? Are we called? If our answers are affirmative, we can trust Him to integrate even our worst moments into the eternal equation for the goodness of our story… for His glory.

Be forewarned; glorification will require obedience, even when we don’t understand or can’t comprehend. Glorification will involve prayer: both parties in today’s text were actively seeking God. Glorification will require sweat equity: the servants walked a full 24 hours. Glorification will include a complete surrender to God’s spirit.

“The Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.” (Acts 10:44 NIV)

At the end of the day, though, God got the glory in this New Testament story. We can trust that He’ll get the glory in our modern day story as well.

“And we know that in all things God works for the glory of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Lord, we are so glad that You work it all out for Your glory. What an awesome testimony of Your power and authority, but also Your grace towards us. We are so grateful for Your instruction in our story. We commit to obedience, prayer, effort and surrender. Have Your way, O Sovereign God. Be glorified in every page and chapter. Amen.