Raising the Dead

• Acts 9:40 (MSG)
• Acts 9:41 (MSG)
• Acts 9:42 (MSG)

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Peter just performed one of the most moving feats we can imagine. He brought a beloved deadwoman back to life. No one was really expecting it, but he did.

After these verses, Acts records one thing, "When this became known all over Joppa, many put their trust in the Master."

I would hope that my victories in faith lead to people trusting in Christ. However, my personal victories tend to serve me. That's stupid and short sighted and ultimately worthless. How can I gain the faith, trust, and devotion to God to such an extent that His work in me immediately pours into others' devotion to Him?

I don't quite know. However, I believe it starts with a genuine pursuit of what Godwants, rather than the miracles that Iwant in mylife. I doubt Peter was walking around saying to himself, "man, I'd love to bring a couple people back from the dead right now." He was faithful and was guided step by step into a moment so big that he deflected the Glory to God.

And God loves that.

God, help me with my selfishness. Help me experience a genuine devotion to your glory, rather than one filtered through selfish ambition.

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