Scattered, Not Stopped
“Forced to leave home base, the followers of Jesus all became missionaries. Wherever they were scattered, they preached the Message about Jesus.” Acts 8:4 (MSG)
“The city was swept with joy.” Acts 8:8 (MSG)
They didn’t ask to be scattered.
They were forced out by persecution, uncertainty, and fear.
But instead of shutting down, they stepped up.
They preached wherever they went.
They didn’t let pain silence their purpose.
And because of that obedience, entire cities were filled with joy.
Sometimes the push we feel isn’t punishment. It’s positioning.
God can use discomfort to bring you into divine assignment.
I remember a season where it felt like everything safe and familiar was being stripped away.
Doors were closing. Relationships shifting.
What felt like loss at the time was really God moving me out of comfort and into calling.
I didn’t see it then, but now I realize I wasn’t being set back. I was being sent.
And just like in Acts 8, what felt like scattering was really the beginning of something greater.
So if life feels scattered, remember:
You might not be where you planned, but you’re still in God’s purpose.
It’s positioning you for...
People you never expected to reach.
Sometimes the detour leads you right into someone else's breakthrough.Personal growth that pain is producing.
The stretching may hurt, but it’s making you stronger, deeper, and more dependent on God.Places that need the presence you carry.
Your obedience brings light, peace, and hope to dark corners the world forgot.
So when life feels uncertain or uncomfortable, don’t assume you’re off course.
You might just be right where God wants you, scattered, not stopped.
Let this be your prayer today:
Jesus, when things don’t go as expected, help me trust You’re still working. Use every shift, every move, every stretch to bring joy and healing to others through my life. Amen.
Make It Personal:
Where in your life do you currently feel scattered or stretched?
Can you think of a time when discomfort actually led to growth or impact?
Who might God be positioning you to reach in this season?
How can you bring joy or healing to the place you're in right now?
