Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Have you ever felt called to leave a place not knowing what your fate would be? Have you had to say goodbye to your closest friends and family for an extended period of time that might feel like an eternity?

In Acts 20, Paul is struggling with the pull that he is meant to travel to Jerusalem. Through his fellow followers, he even feels that The Holy Spirit is prompting him maybe not to go… and there is even prophesying that he would face hard times and even imprisonment ahead. Nonetheless, Paul bids farewell as he heads to Jerusalem. As he tells his closest friends and followers that they may not see his face again, they are very heavy-hearted. Paul comforts them saying that if it is God's will, they will see each other again someday.

When we say goodbye to people we love, especially through death and loss, it makes the vision of reaching Heaven so much sweeter knowing we will see them again, doesn’t it?

Anytime, however, having to leave family and friends behind can make transitions so much harder. It is really difficult to start over in a new town having to find a new church, new friends, and even to begin a new job. It is even more difficult if you are the leader of your family and your move disrupts the lives of your other family members. Juggling all of the dynamics of such a move can be overwhelming for even the strongest of people.

As a community of followers, our church is called to become the family to fellow believers. We come together in support when our fellow members suffer and mourn, just as we come together when they rejoice and celebrate. How, then, do we respond when we have new faces that visit our church? Are we intentional with welcoming them to the family? Do we sit with them as they navigate new transitions, relocations, new birth and/or tragic loss? We are called to be the hands and feet for Christ. Do our actions reflect His love and compassion?

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Be intentional with getting to know new faces in the church. If you see a new family, reach out to them. Help them find their House Church group. Follow-up with them later to be sure they have the things they need. Be His hands and feet.
• Prayer: Dear God, We all have had periods of transition in our lives. During those times, it can be difficult and overwhelming. Help us minister to those among us who are in periods of transition. Show us the ways that You need for us to be Your hands and feet. Amen.

Family Devo: Acts 20

By: Tina Bryant

It’s hard to keep up with all the places that Paul has traveled! In Acts 20 we find out that Paul had been traveling for three years! Wow, what a long time to be away from home, away from family and friends. Paul made so many new friends when he was traveling and sharing about Jesus and he is getting ready to go back home. But going back home wasn’t exactly going to be all that fun. Because going back home meant that he was probably going to go to prison. You see, there were a lot of people back home that didn’t like Jesus or the message that Jesus was King, the very message that Paul has been traveling the world to share.

We catch up with Paul in verse 13 as he is saying goodbye to the new friends that he has made. Paul takes this time to encourage his friends. He tells them that hard times might come, and that he knows he will probably never see them again. He reminds them of Jesus’ words that it is more blessed to give than to receive and then he prays with them.

It can be really hard saying goodbye to people who have become like family to you. Paul knew this would be hard for him and for his friends. But he also knew that a little bit of encouragement could go a long way. 

• Who is a friend that could use your encouragement today? Take some time to write a special note to your friend to let them know that you are thinking of them and praying for them!
• Pray: God, we learned today that encouragement can go a long way. Please help me to find creative ways to encourage my friends and family when they are sad or discouraged. Help me to continue to live for you in everything I do. Amen.