Living ActsSample

Reflection

Sometimes the gospel is presented as if it only leads to joy, peace, and fulfilment. And it does. But Acts 14 reminds us that it also comes with cost.

Paul and Barnabas travel from place to place, strengthening new believers and appointing leaders. Along the way, miracles happen. In Lystra, Paul heals a man who has never walked. The crowd is stunned. But instead of praising God, they assume Paul and Barnabas must be gods themselves. The moment turns quickly from admiration to confusion.

Paul refuses their worship and tells them the truth about the living God. That honesty comes at a price. Opponents stir up the crowd, and suddenly Paul is being stoned and is then left for dead outside the city. One moment celebrated, the next rejected.

Yet Paul gets back up. Literally. He returns to the city, then moves on to encourage others. He tells the new believers something deeply honest ‒ that we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. This is not a warning meant to discourage, but a truth meant to prepare.

Acts 14 shows us a resilient faith. A faith that does not quit when misunderstood. A faith that holds joy and suffering together. Paul endures because he knows the story of Jesus, who suffered out of love. Following Jesus is costly, but it is worth it.

Challenge

Today, remember who Jesus is to you. Why do you follow him? Remembering why you follow him will help you be faithful even when witnessing for him is difficult or costly.

Prayer

Jesus, help me to be a witness for you, even when it is hard.

Give me strength to persevere and trust you in every season.

Amen.