SWHW Two Year Bible Reading Plan: February, Year 2Sample

Top Takeaway From Audra Haney:

I am a naturally shy person, and conflict makes me highly uncomfortable. Usually, my flesh would rather “get along” than jump into a challenge or rock the boat. 

But when it comes to the gospel, we have to remember that being a peacekeeper and a peacemaker aren’t always the same thing.  Being a peacekeeper is easy. But, being a peacemaker means selflessly ushering in Christ’s Kingdom, even when truth is unpopular.

Paul’s missionary journeys are full of conflict, and sometimes even chaos. As we read about his time in Ephesus, we see that Paul had to boldly correct both his own disciples, as well as the Jewish leaders in the synagogue. He had to call out hypocrisy, false religions, cult worship, and the idols of the culture. 

His preaching against idolatry meant the loss of business for some. It meant riots and confusion in the city streets. It demanded the destruction of witchcraft property.

Paul’s truth-telling was a threat that called for him to place both his reputation and public appearance on the altar. Paul was intentionally placed by God in a city that needed massive deliverance, but it came at the cost of pleasing people.

However, the fruit of his courage was immeasurable. 

Acts 19:10-12 says:

“This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.”

Because of Paul’s selfless obedience, the Bible says that the gospel was spread throughout all of Asia, and God’s power was able to flow through Paul in a mighty way. 

An entire continent was introduced to true peace, the Prince of Peace: Jesus, who paid it all, in order to reconcile us to God.

That’s a fight worth fighting. 

Father, help me to make peace by introducing people to the Prince of Peace. May I never shy away from speaking the truth, and may my heart burn to please You and not man.  Amen.