I Am Doing Something
God Is Still at Work, Even When We Don’t See It
SCRIPTURE:
Acts 13:41 NLT - 'Look, you mockers, be amazed and die! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.'"
OBSERVATION:
In Acts chapter 13, we see amazing things continue as the Gospel spreads. Saul and Barnabas were set apart for a special work—the Gospel to the Gentiles. God was doing a great work, even if some didn’t recognize it. Luke quotes Habakkuk 1:5 in reference to this:
Habakkuk 1:5 NLT - “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.”
Not only were Saul and Barnabas called for this special work, but Saul also received a new name—Paul. From this point on in Acts, Saul is called Paul. He was given a new heart, a new name, and a new mission.
Sometimes we forget that God is still at work. We don’t see the fruit, but He is doing something so great that if He told us, we wouldn’t believe it. Paul added a striking phrase to Habakkuk’s quote, inspired by the Holy Spirit:
“Look, you mockers, be amazed and die!”
This is a bold statement—essentially saying, “Get out of the way; God is on the move!” Mockers always try to stop what God is doing, but Paul’s message is clear: God cannot be stopped.
Earlier in the chapter, we see Elymas the sorcerer trying to keep Sergius Paulus from believing. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked him, and God struck Elymas blind. As a result, the governor believed. (Acts 13:8–12)
God always deals with opposition to His work. Even today, He continues to move powerfully, whether or not we recognize it.
APPLICATION:
The Gospel—the Good News—is still being proclaimed, and despite our unbelief, people are being saved. Luke tells us that when Paul and Barnabas preached, almost the whole city came to listen. The same is true today: around the world, people are coming to know Jesus.
Acts 13:49 NLT – “So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region.”
God is still working, even when we don’t see it or refuse to believe it. We can join His ongoing work by doing the following four things:
We have been appointed to this work—let’s remain faithful to it. As we do, we will experience what the early believers experienced:
Acts 13:52 NLT – “And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
PRAYER:
Jesus, even though at times I don’t see the fruit. Thank You that You are STILL working, saving, and rescuing those who are lost around the globe. In my moments of doubt, remind me that You are still on the move. May I be faithful to share the message, bringing the Good News, proclaiming forgiveness of sin, and urging believers to continue to rely on God’s grace.
Acts 13:41 NLT - 'Look, you mockers, be amazed and die! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.'"
OBSERVATION:
In Acts chapter 13, we see amazing things continue as the Gospel spreads. Saul and Barnabas were set apart for a special work—the Gospel to the Gentiles. God was doing a great work, even if some didn’t recognize it. Luke quotes Habakkuk 1:5 in reference to this:
Habakkuk 1:5 NLT - “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.”
Not only were Saul and Barnabas called for this special work, but Saul also received a new name—Paul. From this point on in Acts, Saul is called Paul. He was given a new heart, a new name, and a new mission.
Sometimes we forget that God is still at work. We don’t see the fruit, but He is doing something so great that if He told us, we wouldn’t believe it. Paul added a striking phrase to Habakkuk’s quote, inspired by the Holy Spirit:
“Look, you mockers, be amazed and die!”
This is a bold statement—essentially saying, “Get out of the way; God is on the move!” Mockers always try to stop what God is doing, but Paul’s message is clear: God cannot be stopped.
Earlier in the chapter, we see Elymas the sorcerer trying to keep Sergius Paulus from believing. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked him, and God struck Elymas blind. As a result, the governor believed. (Acts 13:8–12)
God always deals with opposition to His work. Even today, He continues to move powerfully, whether or not we recognize it.
APPLICATION:
The Gospel—the Good News—is still being proclaimed, and despite our unbelief, people are being saved. Luke tells us that when Paul and Barnabas preached, almost the whole city came to listen. The same is true today: around the world, people are coming to know Jesus.
Acts 13:49 NLT – “So the Lord’s message spread throughout that region.”
God is still working, even when we don’t see it or refuse to believe it. We can join His ongoing work by doing the following four things:
- Share the message of salvation (v. 26)
- Proclaim the Good News—God has done it! (v. 32–33)
- Announce forgiveness of sins through Jesus (v. 38–39)
- Encourage believers to rely on grace (v. 43)
We have been appointed to this work—let’s remain faithful to it. As we do, we will experience what the early believers experienced:
Acts 13:52 NLT – “And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
PRAYER:
Jesus, even though at times I don’t see the fruit. Thank You that You are STILL working, saving, and rescuing those who are lost around the globe. In my moments of doubt, remind me that You are still on the move. May I be faithful to share the message, bringing the Good News, proclaiming forgiveness of sin, and urging believers to continue to rely on God’s grace.
God is always at work—believe it, join Him, and watch Him move.
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