A Wild Invitation With the Spirit
MAC BRIDGES
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“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)
I used to think the “safe” Christian life was the goal. You know the one — where we follow all the rules, stay comfortable in our routines, and avoid anything that might feel too risky.
That all changed when I started reading Acts and I realized Jesus never promises this kind of safety. He promises power.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
When Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, they were probably expecting a detailed road map for ministry. Instead, He gave them something far better: a promise of supernatural power from the Holy Spirit. Not when they felt ready or had their act together but simply when the Spirit arrived.
Then the disciples would become witnesses in Jerusalem (their hometown); Judea (familiar, surrounding areas); Samaria (uncomfortable, culturally different places); and the ends of the earth (completely unknown territories). This was a declaration of what would happen when they said “yes” to the Holy Spirit's wild invitation.
Here’s what gets me excited: This same promise is for us today.
We don’t have to wait until we feel qualified. The power isn't dependent on our perfection. It’s dependent on the Holy Spirit.
But let’s be honest … walking with the Spirit can feel inconvenient and unpredictable. He might lead us to have difficult conversations, serve in ways that stretch us, or step into opportunities that feel way too big for our capabilities. The Spirit-filled life isn’t the safe life, but it’s the most worthwhile life we could ever choose.
God is calling us to be His witnesses. Maybe it’s in our workplace, where we’ve been playing it safe instead of walking in boldness. Maybe it’s in our neighborhood, where we've been too busy to really connect with people. Or maybe it’s in that dream we’ve been too scared to pursue.
The beautiful truth is that we don’t have to figure out the “how” — that’s the Spirit’s job. Our job is simply to say “yes” to the adventure. To be willing to go from our “Jerusalem” to our “ends of the earth” — wherever the Spirit leads — trusting that His power is sufficient for whatever lies ahead.
The disciples had no idea how their “yes” would change the world. But they said it anyway, and the Spirit did what only He could do through ordinary people who were willing to be used in wild ways.
Father, thank You that You haven’t called me to a safe, predictable life but to a powerful, Spirit-filled adventure. Help me say “yes” to Your wild invitation, even when it feels scary or uncertain. Fill me freshly with Your Holy Spirit today, and make me a bold witness wherever You lead — in the familiar places and in the territories that stretch my faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
For a deeper study on the book of Acts and more insight into a wild life in the Spirit, grab a copy of Mac Bridges’ new Bible study, The Wild Invitation.
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Connect with Mac on Instagram @macleighbridges or on her website.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
John 14:26, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (NIV).
How has your faith journey been shaped by a desire for safety? Are there areas where you’ve been playing it safe instead of living Spirit-led?
Think about the progression from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth. What would this look like in your own life context (moving from the comfortable to the familiar to the uncomfortable to the completely unknown)? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
© 2025 by Mac Bridges. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Monday, 24 November 2025.
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