The Well
The Well |
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Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Tuesday
September 2, 2008
Now some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and turned the crowds into a
murderous mob. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, apparently
dead. But as the believers stood around him, he got up and went back into the
city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.
After preaching the Good
News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned again to
Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers.
They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must
enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations. Paul and Barnabas also
appointed elders in every church and prayed for them with fasting, turning them
over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had come to trust. Then they traveled
back through Pisidia to Pamphylia. They preached again in Perga, then went on to
Attalia.
Finally, they returned by ship to Antioch of Syria, where their
journey had begun and where they had been committed to the grace of God for the
work they had now completed. Upon arriving in Antioch, they called the church
together and reported about their trip, telling all that God had done and how he
had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, too. And they stayed there with
the believers in Antioch for a long time.
Acts 14:19-28
Been attacked by any religious people lately? Well, if you are doing work for the Lord, making a difference in the lives of hurting people, and doing it in a way that is a little out of the ordinary – get ready – the attack's on the way.
Now, I have been through a lot of things in the world of religion. I once severed as Director of Lay Ministries at a Methodist church and because I took a particular stand I was asked to resign. I once taught a Sunday School class, and because I said some things that were taken out of context I was told that I could no longer teach in that church. However, I haven't been stoned yet for doing what I do – at least not literally.
Paul's whole point was that if we are making a difference we will suffer. People will not understand us. However, just ahead there will be an Antioch.
I am in Antioch. People who believe that God has called me to do what I am doing surround me. I can't begin to tell you what a difference that makes. It doesn't relieve me from being attacked by religious people, but it does provide encouragement and strength along the way.
We must commit ourselves to grace. We must first give it to ourselves and then to others around us – even religious people. Maybe they will catch on to how good it is and let go and let God!
Have you been there? Is that part of your story? Share it…tell somebody. You just might be the encouragement someone needs to face another day.
Father, can I ever thank You enough for grace? I just want to thank You for leading me to my Antioch. Lead me on Lord and embrace me with Your hope. Touch the one reading this right now with a glimpse of Your glory and rest them in Your hope.
