This week’s reading from Acts 8 reminds us that God is always at work, preparing His people to proclaim the gospel and preparing hearts to receive it. The Holy Spirit directed the evangelist Philip to go to a lonely desert road – not exactly an obvious choice of location for street preaching or a gospel outreach event! But sure enough, along came a man whom God had been preparing for just such a moment. An important official in the Ethiopian royal court was reading the Bible, and just needed Philip to help him understand a particular passage. Yet this was not just about their encounter in the desert that day. Something powerful had already been happening in the Ethiopian’s heart, drawing him to faith in the one true and living God, and turning his attention to the Scriptures. Philip was then able to come along and explain the good news of salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ; how He fulfils Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant who willingly gave His life for our sins. In response, the Ethiopian gave his life to Christ and was baptised as soon as they found some water.

While there is a moment when something finally ‘clicks’ (i.e. a person realises that they accept the gospel and surrenders their life to the Lord Jesus), there are usually other developments leading up to that point. These will vary from person to person, but may include things like adverse circumstances, an inner longing for something more, positive relationships with Christians, an exploration of the Bible etc. Then there is the preparation of those who might have a part to play in helping someone come to faith. Believers who share the gospel with others have their own conversion story, knowledge of the Scriptures, involvement in the church and a love for the lost. God is, in different ways, preparing both unbelievers and believers.

May we pray for Him to till the soil in people’s hearts, and by His Spirit also make us ready to bring in the harvest, to His praise and glory.