October 15, 2009 - Acts 10:17

"While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate." Acts 10:17.
Peter had just received a vision in which God was stretching the boundaries of his belief system by requiring him to "kill and eat" food forbidden to Jews. Peter was wondering what this would mean when the men sent by Cornelius arrived. Cornelius had sent these men to ask Peter to come to him, after God had told him in a vision to send for Peter. It appears that God was setting the stage for not only Peter's stretching, but also, for the young church's expansion.
When things happen in our lives, we never know how wide ranging the effect will be. In Peter's case, it was dramatic. The church was thrust out beyond the boundaries of Judaism. I recently heard from an old friend, whom I haven't seen in years. She told me that her life had been deeply impacted by the work my wife and I did when we had a ministry with young people. After her college days, she became a volunteer leader, and impacted a number of high school students, who in turn went on to become youth leaders. Several of those that she worked with later joined the staff of Young Life, and years later, I ended up working alongside a few of them, without knowing about the connection. I only recently put together that this amazing cycle of impact on people's lives had taken place. We never know at the time how we are going to impact others. Each meeting holds potential significance. I can either choose to be present in the moment or to just coast along in neutral.
Questions to consider: In looking back, when have you seen events that, though they did not appear at the time to be significant, ended up being very significant? What can you do to make each moment with others more significant?
Prayer: Father, help me to be fully present when I am with others. Help me to be approachable and able to listen. Help me to see each meeting with others as potentially significant for Your kingdom's purposes. Amen.