Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes, to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:18-20)
Jesus told his disciples and us to yield to authority. Yet Jesus, in Matthew 28:19, commanded them and us to make disciples of all nations. Peter and John faced conflict. Should they teach in the name of Jesus as Jesus commanded or yield to the Jewish leaders and not speak in the name of Jesus? The Holy Spirit gave them the correct words to handle the situation skillfully. They yielded to the government by telling them to be the judge and accepting the consequences. However, they also told the leaders they had to do what was right in God’s eyes.
We should have confidence that God controls our leaders and authorities (Romans 13) as Peter and John believed. They had the courage to tell the Jewish leaders they would continue to speak in the name of Jesus because they knew God’s promise: “He who began a good work in you will carry it out to completion.” (Philippians 1:6) When He puts us in charge of a project, he promises to give us the means and time to finish it.
When you go after the dream God put in your heart, believe and have confidence that God will give you the means, support, and time to finish the project. He promised, and God always keeps his promises.
Father God, I praise you for placing a dream in my heart. Give me confidence to pursue that dream because you promised to give me whatever I ask in the name of Jesus to complete that project. I pray in Jesus’ precious name, amen.