Acts 14:1- 20
Friday, 03 May 2024
But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders. - Acts 14:3 [NLT]
Contrary to popular thinking, the path to eternity in heaven is not smooth and easy. Throughout the Biblical history we can see servants of God facing up to hard situations and trials. Both in the New and Old Testament times, saints had to pass through tough ordeals challenging their faith. One common factor we can see through their lives is that none of them went back due to discouragement. They were moving from faith to faith. Praise and prayer filled their mouths—some of the Psalms testify of such perseverance in trials.
In our reading we see Paul and Barnabas facing opposition to the Gospel at every place they went. Some believed while others especially the Jews made things difficult for them. They had to face both verbal and physical abuse sometimes; yet this did not deter them from carrying on the God-given mission. At one point, they even stoned and dragged Paul out of the city thinking he was dead; but God raised him up as the disciples gathered around him (Vs.19-20). Despite the many struggles he faced, Paul later declared: However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24).
When we pass through the valley of troubles and hardships, remember the promises of God. There is no crown without a cross! Jesus advised us to carry our own cross and follow Him. He set an example by carrying his own cross and He will surely help us. The ministry ahead of us may look inconvenient and uncomfortable but we need to press on for the glory of God. Remember it was not convenient or comfortable for Jesus to go through all that He did and hang on the cross for us. Hebrews 12:2 encourages us: “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Paul advised Timothy, his son in the faith: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2Timothy 3:12). But God’s promise always remains that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). When the intensity of the trial increases, remember the greatness of the reward for a winner. Romans 5:3 reminds us that tribulation produces perseverance / patient endurance which again leads to godly character and hope. Such hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). God has a definite purpose for the situations we face in life. We can face it with Him or turn bitter which may not benefit us at all. Isaiah 57:15 says “He will revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” When we stay humble and trust our lives in His hands, the Lord will bring forth good out of the “seemingly bad” situations we face. Whatever we undergo in life is with His knowledge and it produces perseverance, character and hope in us. Finally, it rewards us with the crown of life.
Remember brethren, hardships and trials teach us patient trust in God!
Prayer: Heavenly Father help me to face the hardship so that it will bring greater hope which never fails. Amen
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