The believers in Jerusalem faced something they never would’ve chosen. Persecution forced them out of their homes, their community, and their familiar rhythms of worship. What looked like chaos was actually part of God’s plan. Through their scattering, the good news of Jesus began to reach new regions and new people. What seemed like loss became a turning point in how the gospel spread. God used what the enemy meant for harm to bring about His greater purpose.
Sometimes following Jesus means walking through seasons we wouldn’t have picked. A closed door, a hard conversation, or a major change can feel like loss. But Acts 8 reminds us that God’s purposes aren’t stopped when our comfort is disrupted. In fact, He often works most clearly when our plans fall apart. When things feel out of control, He is still writing a story that’s bigger than what we can see.
The church didn’t stop being the church just because they were scattered—they carried the message and presence of Jesus wherever they went. The same is true for us. Whether we’re in a new workplace, a different community, or an unexpected situation, we can trust that God has placed us there with purpose. When life feels uncertain or unfamiliar, we can remember that God is never out of control. He takes what feels scattered and uses it to plant something new.