Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Life doesn’t happen in a bubble—and neither does faith. As a mom, I’ve found that it can be surprisingly difficult to build or maintain real, life-giving friendships in this season. Between the busyness, the emotional energy it takes to show up every day, and the shifting rhythms of parenting, some moments feel isolating. There are days when I feel like I’m pouring out but not always being poured into. In those moments, I’m reminded that the deepest support and encouragement I need often comes not from more people, but from the Lord Himself, right where I am.

Acts 17–18 gives us a glimpse of what it looks like to live out our faith in the middle of everyday life—full of movement, conversation, and divine appointments. Paul walks into new cities, engages with people from all walks of life, and learns to bring the hope of Jesus into all kinds of spaces. Whether he’s reasoning in a synagogue or chatting in the marketplace, Paul meets people with grace and speaks truth in love—and it reminds me that I can, too.

In Acts 17, Paul arrives in Athens—a city full of philosophy, idols, and intellectual debate. He doesn’t come in swinging. Instead, he looks around, listens, and pays attention. He even quotes their own poets (Acts 17:28) when he stands to speak.

“I see that in every way you are very religious,” he begins (Acts 17:22).

Paul isn’t saying this to mock anyone there but to show respect, and because of that, it opens the door for deeper conversation, for Him to so evidently share Christ’s love with them.

Paul’s message is clear: “God is not far from any one of us.” (v.27) That still speaks today. People all around us—at work, at school, in a quiet kitchen surrounded by toys, even scrolling online—are searching for meaning. When we slow down, listen well, and speak with gentleness, we create space for others to discover that God has been near all along.

In chapter 18, Paul meets Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth—fellow tentmakers, recently displaced from Rome. It seems like a small detail, but it becomes a deep friendship and a powerful ministry team (Acts 18:2–3, 18–26).

Later, they meet Apollos—a gifted speaker with only part of the story. Instead of publicly criticizing him, they invite him in and help him understand more clearly (Acts 18:26). Quiet faithfulness, humble teaching, and encouragement behind the scenes—that’s what helped the gospel grow.

Not everyone is called to preach in public. But every one of us can play a part. Hospitality. Encouragement. Gentle correction. Showing up. These “small” acts are so often the seeds God uses to grow big things.

He WANTS to use you, friend.

Where has God placed you right now—in work, community, or relationship—that could be an open door for connection or conversation?

Are you quick to speak, or quick to listen like Paul in Athens?

Who in your life might need quiet encouragement or support, like Apollos did?

Read Acts 17:22–31 and Acts 18:24–26. What stands out to you about Paul’s tone or Priscilla and Aquila’s approach? This week, ask God to show you one opportunity to listen more deeply, speak more gently, or support someone behind the scenes. Write it down—and act on it when the moment comes.

Lord, help me slow down and notice the people around me—those searching, wondering, and waiting for hope. Give me a heart that is bold but gentle. Help me speak with wisdom and live with kindness and when I feel small or isolated, remind me that You do big things through faithful hearts.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.