Our women’s Bible study has been studying the book of Acts. I truly encourage you to not just read your Bible but STUDY it. I have learned so much by truly spending time in the book of Acts. It is funny how you can read it many times but then later go back to studying something more thoroughly and there was so much more there than you originally thought.

One of the things that I have learned through Acts is that I could stand to be a bit more like Paul!! Steadfast, joyful, obedient no matter what the call was from God (Acts 16:16-40). Willing to change his plans for God's plans (Acts 16:6). He never wavered in doing what God asked even though he knew it would mean beatings – heartaches – even death.

But another thing that has spoken to me is God's sovereignty. Even before the beginning of Paul’s life, God knew and had plans for each step. From beginning as Saul, changing to Paul, each missionary journey he went on and the people that he met and that joined him in spreading God’s word. The places he went were all planned to have the most effect on how the Gospel was shared and, through Paul, the Word spread more places than any person could have planned. All was God’s plan – Paul was just a vessel that was willing!!

Sometimes in the “hard” of life it is easy to forget that God has it all planned!! The big things – the little things!! We just need to remember that we have the same access to God as Paul.

In Acts 26:22, Paul says, “But God has helped me to this very day” and God is there for us, too. EVERYDAY. In the crazy of the holidays and all – let us not forget to thank Him and praise Him during this time!

-Glenda