Rachel Fisher, Children’s Ministries Communications Specialist

Acts 4:8-12 (NIV)
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Reflection:
“Rachel, why are you a Christian?” That was the question my friend, Ken, asked me as I shoved the remnants of a taco in my mouth. We were in the same study abroad program, and until that moment, we had never really spoken about anything more than classic literature and how much we missed having ice in our sodas.

On this particular evening, our group of friends was improvising “Taco Tuesday,” celebrating the end of exams and laughing over England’s version of guacamole and queso (this Texan was appalled). In an instant, however, I was overwhelmed by the weight of my Canadian counterpart’s inquiry. As more people chimed in, I was shocked to learn that many of my fellow classmates had very little exposure to God or any form of spirituality. See, I attended Texas A&M University where I was mostly surrounded by other Christians; even when this was not the case, everyone had grown up with some form of religion. Never had I encountered — nor had a friendship with — someone who lacked any experience practicing faith. And here was an entire group before me, seeking insight!

Taking a big gulp, I began divulging that I was raised with a very strong foundation in the church, but my time in college had grown me even closer to Christ. I would like to say I explained the Gospel eloquently and spouted off inspirational testimony, but in reality, I mostly talked about how I see the love of Jesus in my life and the world around me.

The conversation miraculously lasted a couple of hours, and as I collapsed on my bed later that night, I thanked the Holy Spirit for speaking through me when words seemed so daunting. Truth be told, I can hardly remember what was said, but I remember what I felt: a sense of overwhelming faith in the salvation of God. I have never seen a lame man healed or a person raised from the dead. But perhaps the miracles Peter spoke of are really rooted more in the character of Christ than the acts themselves. Maybe our witness is less about grandeur and more about accountability. I do not know if any hearts were changed that night, but I do know this: when Jesus is our cornerstone, every day is an opportunity for a miracle.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for choosing us, even when we fail you or let you down. Please be with us as we navigate relationships and interactions, granting us confidence and clarity to proclaim the good news of your son, Jesus. Thank you for your many blessings. Amen.