Strength for the Journey Through God's People
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Jan 5
- 3 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | January 5 2026 | Acts 21:7-11
KEY VERSE: “We greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day… and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist.”(Acts 21:7-8, NIV)
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MESSAGE:
In the previous reflections, we saw how God often calls us to move forward in obedience, even when the steps ahead are difficult. Yet God never sends His children into their assignments alone. As Paul continues his journey toward Jerusalem, Acts 21:7-9 shows another powerful truth: when God calls you forward, He surrounds you with people who strengthen, encourage, and prepare you for what lies ahead. On the road of obedience, fellowship is God’s provision. Today’s devotional has the following key lessons for us:
God Provides Encouragement at Each Stop (v. 7). Luke records that they “greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day.” This brief stop in Ptolemais was not accidental. God often places timely encouragement at small stops along our journey. Paul’s mission was intense, but the ministry of simple presence - greeting, fellowship, hospitality - refreshed his soul. Sometimes what keeps us going is not a miracle, but a brother or sister who welcomes us.
God Uses Long-Standing Servants to Strengthen Us (v. 8). Paul stays in the home of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. This meeting is rich in history — Philip was a pioneer, a man greatly used by the Spirit. God purposely connected Paul with someone whose life demonstrated endurance, faithfulness, and evangelistic passion. When God wants to prepare you, He often brings you into contact with people who carry wisdom for your next season.
God Confirms His Presence Through the Gifts of the Community (v. 9). Philip’s four daughters, who prophesied, represent a Spirit-filled household. Their presence revealed that Paul had entered a home where God was actively speaking. Before Paul faced danger in Jerusalem, God placed him in an atmosphere of spiritual clarity, prayer, and prophetic confirmation. The gifts of other believers strengthen us for what lies ahead. God speaks through His people to prepare our hearts.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Are you paying attention to the people God places along your path? God prepares His servants through His people. Every connection, every home, and every believer He places in your path is part of His strategy to strengthen you for the journey ahead. Do not walk alone - God’s grace often comes wrapped in the gift of community. PRAYER:
Father, thank You for surrounding me with Your people on my journey. Help me recognise the encouragement and wisdom You provide through the believers You place in my life. Strengthen me through fellowship, and make me a vessel who refreshes others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: STAY The word translated “stayed” comes from the Greek μένω (menō), meaning to remain, abide, dwell, or continue. It expresses a settled, intentional presence rather than a brief or casual stop.
Paul remained with the believers in Ptolemais and Caesarea, sharing life and receiving encouragement. Menō highlights a deliberate choice to stay where God has placed you long enough to be strengthened through relationships and shared faith.
Reflect on this:
God renews His servants through seasons of abiding with His people. Remaining where He provides fellowship allows strength, clarity, and readiness to grow for the journey ahead.
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