Here is a devotion to start your day!
Also available now at Power, Love & Miracles:
Hidden Heroes of the Bible: The Empty Tomb. Chapters 7-9
Nicodemus: Faith That Grows in the Dark. The Bible Unplugged podcast, episode 72
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Hero: Barnabas
Encouragement as strategic kingdom work
Scripture: Acts 4:36–37; 9:26–28; 11:22–26
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
Reflection
His given name was Joseph, but the apostles nicknamed him “Barnabas,” which means “son of encouragement.” That tells you a lot.
Barnabas shows up when generosity is needed—selling a field and laying the money at the apostles’ feet. He shows up when trust is fragile—standing beside Saul when everyone else is afraid of him. He shows up when a new, diverse church is forming in Antioch—leaving Jerusalem to nurture what God is doing there.
He doesn’t demand the spotlight. He looks for people on the edges and brings them in.
When Saul first tries to join the disciples in Jerusalem, they’re understandably wary. Yesterday he was hunting Christians; today he says he is one. Barnabas listens, believes, and puts his reputation on the line. He brings Saul to the apostles and tells the story of his encounter with Jesus. A bridge is built where a wall could have stayed.
Later, when the church in Antioch is growing fast, the leaders send Barnabas to check it out. He arrives, sees the grace of God, and is glad. Instead of feeling threatened, he celebrates. Instead of controlling things, he goes to find Saul and brings him into the work. Again, he is a bridge—between people, callings, and communities.
Maybe your calling looks less like being the main voice and more like being the one who notices, affirms, connects, and supports. You might not think of that as “strategic,” but Barnabas shows us that encouragement is one of God’s favorite building materials.
An encouraging word can restore courage to a tired heart. A well-timed introduction can unlock a calling. A person who believes in you when others doubt can change the entire trajectory of your story.
Hidden heroes like Barnabas stand in the space between fear and trust, old and new, insider and outsider, and say with their lives, “I see grace here. Let’s make room for it.”
Centering Prayer
God of All Encouragement,
Thank you for those who have believed in me when others doubted. Shape my heart like Barnabas. Help me notice your grace in people and places I might overlook. Give me courage to build bridges, to include, to affirm, and to sacrifice so others can thrive in your calling. – Amen
Practice for Today
Encourage someone specifically. Name a gift, grace, or growth you see in them and, if possible, put it in writing. Let your words be a bridge they can walk on.
Journaling Prompt
Who has been a ‘Barnabas’ in my story? How might God be inviting me to carry that same ministry of encouragement and bridge-building?
Closing Blessing
Claim that you a son or daughter of encouragement.
See the grace of God and say it out loud.
Open doors instead of guarding them in fear.
Let your life become a bridge God can safely send people across.
Pray as You Go
Breathe in: Lord, open my eyes…
Breathe out: … use me to lift others
