The Opportunity of a Lifetime
From Pastor Bill’s Sermon — March 1, 2026
​
Day 1
READ: Acts 28:3
DEVO:
Life rarely begins with dramatic moments of purpose. More often, it begins with simple faithfulness. In the story behind today’s reading, a servant of God finds himself in an unfamiliar place after a long season of hardship. Instead of seeking recognition or rest, he begins doing something surprisingly ordinary—serving. Gathering sticks for a fire may seem insignificant, but it reflects a heart that understands the way of Jesus.
Jesus taught that greatness in God’s kingdom looks very different from greatness in the world. The world celebrates influence, status, and visibility. Yet Jesus modeled a life of humility and service. He knelt to wash the feet of His followers and reminded them that those who want to lead must first learn to serve. Often the path to the greatest opportunities begins with the smallest acts of obedience.
Many believers miss this truth because they are waiting for something bigger. We imagine God calling us to dramatic moments of impact, yet we overlook the quiet tasks right in front of us. The truth is that God often prepares us for larger opportunities through ordinary faithfulness. The way we respond to small moments reveals the posture of our hearts.
The question for us is simple: are we willing to serve even when no one is watching? Are we willing to respond to the needs around us without waiting for recognition or reward? God delights in hearts that are ready to serve wherever they are placed.
Often the opportunity of a lifetime begins with nothing more complicated than picking up the next “stick” God places in front of us.
​
APPLICATION: What small act of service might God be inviting you to do today?
​
Day 2
READ: Acts 28:5
​
DEVO
Serving God does not mean life will become easier. In fact, many believers discover that challenges often appear precisely when they begin moving forward in faith. Just when everything seems to be going well, something unexpected strikes—a temptation resurfaces, discouragement sets in, or an old struggle suddenly returns.
Moments like these can feel confusing. We might wonder why difficulty appears just as we begin doing the right thing. Yet Scripture reminds us that spiritual opposition is real. The enemy seeks to discourage believers and distract them from the work God has called them to do. When we understand this, we stop being surprised by the struggle and begin focusing on how to respond.
The example in today’s passage reveals a powerful response: shake it off. Instead of panicking or surrendering to fear, the servant of God refuses to allow the attack to define the moment. The problem is dealt with decisively and thrown aside. This is a picture of spiritual resilience—choosing faith over fear, truth over temptation, and perseverance over discouragement.
Many of the struggles we face today look different from ancient dangers, yet they carry similar power to entangle our lives. Habits, bitterness, unhealthy distractions, and destructive patterns can cling to our hearts if we allow them to remain. But through Christ we have the ability to reject what tries to hold us captive.
Freedom often begins with a simple but powerful decision: refusing to let the thing that attacked us become the thing that controls us.
APPLICATION: Is there something in your life that God is asking you to “shake off” today?
​
Day 3
READ: Acts 28:8–9
DEVO:
After the moment of service and the moment of testing comes something remarkable. The very hands that gathered sticks and shook off danger become hands that bring healing. What began as an ordinary act of faithfulness becomes the doorway to an extraordinary season of ministry.
This pattern appears often throughout Scripture. God works through people who are simply willing to remain available. He uses those who serve humbly, persevere through difficulty, and keep their eyes fixed on Him. Over time, those same lives begin to influence others in powerful ways.
Healing in Scripture often refers to more than physical restoration. God heals broken relationships, wounded hearts, and discouraged spirits. Sometimes His healing comes through prayer, sometimes through encouragement, and sometimes through the quiet presence of someone who reflects the love of Christ. The hands God uses are simply the hands of people who are willing to trust Him.
The beautiful truth is that God desires to work through each of us in this way. Our lives may feel ordinary, but God specializes in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. A conversation, a prayer, or a moment of kindness may become the very thing God uses to bring hope to someone else.
What begins with service and perseverance can become a powerful opportunity to reflect Christ’s love to the world.
APPLICATION: Who in your life might God be inviting you to pray for or encourage today?
