Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Friday, September 21, 2012

"And a certain Jew named Apollos … being fervent in spirit [enthusiastic] spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord … who, when he was come, helped the believers greatly."¹

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is the triumph of some enthusiasm."

Enthusiasm is a wonderful gift but the type that doesn't have deep roots can, when the trials of life seem overpowering, quickly fizzle out.

There's another kind of enthusiasm that can survive the deepest trials of life and motivate great souls to soar above the winds of adversity to achieve noble and worthwhile goals.

The word "enthusiasm" itself comes from "en-theos." "En" meaning "in" and "theos" meaning God. The word literally means "in God" or "inspired of God."

Thus true enthusiasm is that which has its roots not in human inspiration but in God. This enthusiasm is available to all who genuinely want it when they seek God and his will for their life with all their heart.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be so committed to you that I will find 'the great enthusiasm of life' that has its roots in you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Acts 18:24-27 (Paraphrase) (NLT).

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