June 19
Acts 12:24-13:15
Do you ever feel like Jesus is losing? Do you ever wonder whether the church is going to last against the pressures of our culture? Thankfully, these are not things we have to consider or worry about because Jesus is victorious, and his church will prevail. We live in a broken world, but a world that is saturated by the presence of God. Therefore, there are constant hardships and continual evidence of God's grace, power, and love. It is important that we learn how to respond to both realities in a way that brings glory to God. Notice Barnabas and Saul as they undertake their missionary journeys in Acts 12-13. They were invited by the proconsul, a government official, to come and share the gospel. What an amazing opportunity and certain evidence of God's blessing and favor. Then at the very same time, they were opposed by Bar-Jesus/Elymas. On the one hand, the road seemed open for ministry while at the same time opposition ensued.
What is beautiful, is that in the end, God won, as he always does. It does not always happen that quickly for us, but Jesus is always going to be victorious over death, sin, Satan, and all that is opposed to him. Acts 12:24 tells us even during persecution and suffering “the word of God continued to increase and spread.” Even when we cannot see it, God is always at work. So, let us have eyes to see and join him in his kingdom work, because he always wins.
Father God, give me eyes to see you at work. Help me cling to the hope that you offer and rest in your victory. Amen.
How would remembering that God wins help you to respond better to the hardships of life?
Do you ever feel like Jesus is losing? Do you ever wonder whether the church is going to last against the pressures of our culture? Thankfully, these are not things we have to consider or worry about because Jesus is victorious, and his church will prevail. We live in a broken world, but a world that is saturated by the presence of God. Therefore, there are constant hardships and continual evidence of God's grace, power, and love. It is important that we learn how to respond to both realities in a way that brings glory to God. Notice Barnabas and Saul as they undertake their missionary journeys in Acts 12-13. They were invited by the proconsul, a government official, to come and share the gospel. What an amazing opportunity and certain evidence of God's blessing and favor. Then at the very same time, they were opposed by Bar-Jesus/Elymas. On the one hand, the road seemed open for ministry while at the same time opposition ensued.
What is beautiful, is that in the end, God won, as he always does. It does not always happen that quickly for us, but Jesus is always going to be victorious over death, sin, Satan, and all that is opposed to him. Acts 12:24 tells us even during persecution and suffering “the word of God continued to increase and spread.” Even when we cannot see it, God is always at work. So, let us have eyes to see and join him in his kingdom work, because he always wins.
Father God, give me eyes to see you at work. Help me cling to the hope that you offer and rest in your victory. Amen.
How would remembering that God wins help you to respond better to the hardships of life?
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