In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to fall into routines that, while comforting, can sometimes lead us to miss the profound moments God has in store for us. As Pastor Mark reminded us in his recent sermon on Acts 3 and 4, the early disciples like Peter and John were engaged in their daily routines when they encountered a life-changing opportunity. This begs the question: Are we, as nominal Christians, missing out on eternity-shaking events because we’re too caught up in the mundane?

Rediscovering the Power of Routine

The story of the beggar at the temple gate, as recounted in Acts 3, is a powerful reminder that God often works through our daily routines. Peter and John were simply going to pray, a routine act, when they encountered a man in need of healing. This encounter was not just a miracle for the beggar but a testament to the power of living with expectation and openness to God’s work in our everyday lives.

As nominal Christians, we might find ourselves going through the motions—attending church, saying grace, or reading a verse here and there—without truly engaging with the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The challenge is to move beyond routine and open our eyes to the divine opportunities around us.

Embrace the ‘Not Yet’ Moments

Pastor Mark highlighted a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey: the “not yet” answers from God. These are moments when our prayers seem unanswered, and we are called to trust in God’s timing and plan. It’s easy to become discouraged and give up on spiritual disciplines when we don’t see immediate results. However, these “not yet” moments are invitations to deepen our trust in God and to prepare for something greater than we can imagine.

Living by Kingdom Ethics

The sermon also emphasized the importance of living by kingdom ethics—recognizing the value, dignity, and worth in every person, just as Peter and John did with the beggar. This means moving from being mere consumers of the faith to active contributors to God’s kingdom. It involves a shift from self-centered spirituality to a life that reflects the love and power of Jesus in tangible ways.

Steps to Take Action

1. Engage in Community: Join a small group or missional community where you can study the Bible in context and support one another in your spiritual journeys. This helps prevent the drift into heresy and keeps your faith grounded.
2. Seek the Holy Spirit: Pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 2, to empower you for daily living. This is not just about emotional experiences but about living a life marked by the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
3. Practice Repentance: Regularly examine your life for areas where you need to turn back to God. Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process of aligning your life with God’s will.
4. Be a Light: Identify those around you who are far from God but close to you. How can you be a source of hope and encouragement to them? Share your faith not just in words but through actions that demonstrate the love of Christ.
5. Embrace the Routine: Don’t underestimate the power of routine acts of faith. Whether it’s daily prayer, reading Scripture, or acts of service, these routines can be the very channels through which God works miracles.

In conclusion, let’s not settle for a nominal faith that merely skims the surface of what God has for us. Instead, let’s dive deep into the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit, living with expectation and readiness for the divine appointments God has set in our paths. As we do, we’ll find that our routines are transformed into revivals, both in our hearts and in the world around us.