Faith on a Mission

Acts 20:7-10

New International Version (NIV)

Eutychus Raised From the Dead at Troas

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was

sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” 

There was so much Paul wanted to say and do before he moved on, that is why he preached late into the night. I imagine more than one of us could admit to dozing off during a sermon.  Perhaps we had an early morning, or as in the case here, the room was warm and the talk went on forever.  Who could blame the young boy for nodding off? Unfortunately he was perched on a window sill when he dozed and fell backwards.

Paul moved into action, threw himself on top of the boy and revived him. Paul never doubted for a moment that God would show up, would bring the young boy back to life.  In fact it seems that Paul was so accustomed to God's faithfulness that once the incident was over he simply moved on by going upstairs and breaking bread and eating.

It takes faith and an abundance of trust to go on a mission trip.  Faith that God will be with you, and trust that He will faithfully take care of you. Sometimes it takes the same faith and commitment to serve locally as well.  We fear what others will think of us or what they might say.

Do you think Paul worried about that?

Acts 20:6-12