Today’s Reading, Acts 13-15
Focal Scripture: Acts 14:3 “So they stayed there a long time and spoke boldly for the Lord, who testified to the message of his grace by enabling them to do signs and wonders.”
I have been involved in ministry for over 30 years. I have served in part time roles and full time roles. Sometimes God has granted me a little success and other times God has given an abundance of fruit that was overwhelming. One truth I can tell you is that ministry is difficult. It requires perseverance. Most people don’t understand the mental, emotional, and spiritual burden a pastor has for his people and the lost people in his city. It is overwhelming on most days. Then you have the personal toll of leading your family and making sure your individual walk with the Lord is thriving. For ministry to be successful you have to be surrendered to the Lord and prepared for the calling.
In today’s reading Paul is working in the ministry and is experiencing difficulty from the religious leaders. The text actually says that they stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. To combat this Paul stayed a long time and taught them correct doctrine. He spoke boldly for the Lord because he knew he had to persevere to do fruitful ministry.
I want to encourage you today to do ministry right where God has you planted. It doesn’t matter if you are serving the Lord in a secular setting or if it is in a church setting. Do your best to not allow circumstances or people to derail you from Gods work. However, there will be times when leaving is not only best but required. Especially if the situation is unbiblical or spiritually abusive. I have been in that situation and making that decision about staying and persevering or leaving is very difficult.
Know this truth that while you are persevering God will grow you through that time of difficulty. Especially, when you stay true to the truth of the Bible. You will be tempted to compromise. You will even have people around you encouraging you to change the standard. Be like Paul and keep God and his truth at the center. In doing so you will show others what it means to trust in the Lord even when life gets difficult.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Acts 16-17
