Sometimes we think too highly of ourselves, as if all depends on our plans and efforts. But Acts shows that the mission belongs to the Lord. He is in charge, working mightily, often behind the scenes. Acts 8 pulls aside the curtain for us to view His providential work. The Gospel is filling Jerusalem, but not the region beyond. God lets Saul’s persecution scatter the disciples, fulfilling more of the mission to “all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
As Philip flees, the Lord leads him into effective work among the Samaritans (Acts 8:5-12). Then, though Philip is reaching many, the Lord directs him to meet one foreigner, an official from Ethiopia (Acts 8:26-36). Does Philip plan this meeting? Does he devise the strategy for influencing Africa? Philip knows nothing of such things until the Lord’s Spirit and angel lead him into the opportunity.
Acts continues to relate stories of divine intervention (Acts 10:1-29; 12:7; 13:2; 14:27; 15:28; 16:6-10; 27:24). Today, even without direct messages from heaven, the Lord of the harvest connects us, His messengers, with seekers like the Ethiopian. If we focus too much on our own plans, we may miss the doors God throws open for effective evangelism (Colossians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Revelation 3:8 cf. 2 Corinthians 2:12). Some tools we can hold in our hands. For this tool, providence, we place ourselves into the Lord’s hands. We watch with wonder what He accomplishes. We report “all that God had done … and how He [has] opened a door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:27).