Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. ‘For the last fourteen days,’ he said, ‘you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food – you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.’ After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. Altogether there were 276 of us on board. When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

ACTS 27:33–38

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After Paul shared about his angelic encounter, he urged everyone to ‘keep up your courage’ – they’d remain engulfed in the storm for a few more days before running aground on an island (Acts 27:25–26). It was a truly stormy time – a workplace catastrophe like no other – and faith was needed to come through it.

After two weeks at sea, they neared land – and, still, Paul’s influence was felt. First, he got the centurion and guards to stop the sailors from secretly escaping, saying it would jeopardise the safety of others. Second, he urged everyone to eat, reiterating that they’d survive. It lifted their spirits. And third, as the ship began to dismantle on hitting land, the centurion stopped soldiers from killing prisoners because he wanted to save Paul. Eventually, everyone reached land safely.

Were it not for Paul and the Holy Sprit’s presence through him, what would’ve happened on this journey? His influence cannot be overstated.

Similarly, Bedru* from Ethiopia is someone who, despite opposition to his faith, is seeking to positively influence his community. ‘They saw a Bible in my hands,’ he says, recalling the moment when angry locals discovered he’d become a Christian. His family’s home and their coffee plantation were destroyed. However, their faith is resolute. ‘There is nothing that can take me back from continuing this journey with Jesus,’ says Bedru.

Helped by Open Doors partners, the family have returned to their farm. Opposition remains, but their example is softening attitudes. Bedru visits the sick and bereaved, and his wisdom and impartiality means that locals call on him to resolve disputes. ‘They have come to respect me,’ he says.

Paul and Bedru’s examples are a powerful reminder of how, through the Holy Spirit, we can have a significant impact on the cultures in which we live and work through small, everyday acts: bringing calm, offering wise counsel, giving food, visiting those in need, being available, praying for those around them. ‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,’ said Jesus (Matthew 5:16).

Seek out ways to influence your workplace through not one small act but many, like Paul and Bedru. Perhaps it’s by being a peacemaker in a tense situation or a voice of calm amidst upheaval and uncertainty? Is there a colleague off sick who you can visit? ‘You must determine the right thing to do, and faithfully stick to it,’ says Bedru.

Tim Bechervaise
Tim Bechervaise is a copywriter for Open Doors UK & Ireland and a freelance writer.

This week, where can the Holy Spirit use your example to bring a positive influence to your workplace?