August 25,2011 - Acts 19:17

“When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.” Acts 19:17.
After the incident in which the evil spirit jumped on the seven brothers for misusing Jesus’ name, the people in the region around Ephesus realized the power that was in the Jesus that Paul proclaimed. Even the evil spirits recognized and submitted to Jesus, and Paul was His representative to the people. This fear translated into having a great deal of respect for Jesus. This incident became widely known among all the people of the region around Ephesus. This incident could have been disastrous for the name of Jesus. Even situations that could have been viewed as negative can work for the good. God’s name spread widely around with fear, respect, and honor.
There has been many times when my actions, which I thought were being done for God and in His purposes, turned out to fall apart or to be a disaster, yet God has used many, if not all, of them for His glory. I remember talking with a man about a difficult issue. He rejected my input and walked away from the relationship. Did I come on too strong? Had I overstepped my bounds? I wasn’t sure how I had blown it, yet the relationship was broken. A few years later, the same man saw me at a meeting and came over to talk. Upon joining another organization, he was challenged with the same input I had given him, and he just wanted to let me know that I was right and thanked me. While many situations fall apart, that particular relationship worked out.
Questions to consider: Have you ever done something that could be viewed as negative that turned out to be positive? Is there a situation that you are currently in that feels very negative? Is there anything that you need to do to improve the situation?
Prayer: Father, because of Your creative touch, You can work all things in my life according to Your purposes. I mess up many times, yet You are there to pick me up, clean me off, and put me on the path again. Thank You. Amen.