Acts 5:29-42 NIV
[29] Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! [30] The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. [31] God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. [32] We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” [33] When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. [34] But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. [35] Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. [36] Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. [37] After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. [38] Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. [39] But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” [40] His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. [41] The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. [42] Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Dear God, this is next-level faith stuff. The level where my own circumstances are irrelevant when conoared with how you need to use me. What strikes me is the difference in their attitudes than mine. If I were arrested, released by an angel, and then obeyed what the angel had said, I would have been upset, I think, about then getting flogged. But it says they rejoiced because they were considered worthy of suffering disgrace.

I told my wife just this morning about a failing of mine. There are times I allow my own hurt feelings to keep me from seeing the big picture and the needs of someone near me. I am not at the level where these people are.

Father, help me to hit that next level of faith—I admit I’m terrified to think about what you will have to do to me to teach me that. I feel like you’re already teaching me this lesson so maybe I’m on my way. Just help me, please, Father. I want to be the most good for you that I can be.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen