Bible Reading Blog
“A Powerful Testimony”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Acts 14
“When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples…” (Acts 14.21-22a)
Paul liked to revisit places he had already been. But given the events of Acts 13-14, his return to these cities was unexpected. In Antioch, he was run out of town for preaching the gospel (Acts 13.50). In Iconium, the city was divided about them, and an attempt was made on their lives (Acts 14.4-5). Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra where the people treated them like gods (Acts 14.8-18), until the folks from Antioch and Iconium showed up. Paul was then dragged out of Lystra, stoned, and left for dead (Acts 14.19). Yet almost immediately he went back to all those places. Not only did he love these brethren but he recognized the power of demonstrated faithfulness in difficult circumstances.
A display of resolute strength in adversity is powerful. I recently spent time with my grandparents who are currently suffering from major health challenges. They’ve both been in and out of the hospital and things just aren’t getting better. It’s been difficult but they never once wallowed. Instead, they made it a point to talk to me about heaven and encourage me in my work. They aren’t thrilled with the present but they are convinced of the outcome; and their faith encouraged me to be more purposeful. The fact is, faith that is tested offers a powerful testimony to other believers.
Your attitude in difficult situations has the potential to inspire determination in others. Your persistence may encourage someone who wants to give up. Paul didn’t return complaining about what happened. Sure, he was persecuted for what he taught. He sometimes even struggled with what he suffered. But he reminded them that this was part of being a follower of Jesus (Acts 14.22b). At one point he was nearly driven to despair (2 Corinthians 1.8-9); but he never lost sight of whom he trusted (2 Timothy 1.12). He determined to shared the peace and contentment he had learned from faith (Philippians 4.10-13).
We will all have difficult seasons, and it’s important we share that with each other. This is the value of fellowship. Like Paul, let’s determine to seek out other believers to lean on and find encouragement. But we need to remember that how we carry ourselves matters. We can give into despair, or we can dig into our faith. God has designed the church to bear one another’s burdens, but we must all make a commitment to trust him. A church united in this trust is a powerful source of strength to all involved.
“…with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” (Acts 14.23b)
