"That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea & Samaria."
(Acts 8:1b)
(Acts 8:1b)
Calamity strikes. Persecution hits the early church. The believers are scattered. Crisis abounds. The early church had become such a connected, powerful group of believers - as they lived together in community, sharing whatever was needed. Now that idyllic way of life is gone. Gone! The group is scattered. They must constantly beware of outside persecution. Constantly.
That could very well have been the end of it. But something amazing happened. The author mentions in verse 4, "Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word." Without any intentional "strategic plan," the early church has launched a global evangelistic outreach program! The crisis of persecution has necessitated the believers to spread out. And along the way, buoyed undoubtedly by their powerful early grounding in Christian community (Acts 2-3), they eagerly (and very effectively) share the gospel. Wow. Thanks, God!
It's amazing how God can "use" difficult, challenging, and even unpleasant circumstances for the good of God's Kingdom! Would the early church have launched out into the surrounding regions without persecution? Maybe. But probably not as quickly, that's for sure! What "unpleasant, challenging, or difficult"circumstances am I facing in my life now? How might God be using that (if I'm willing, of course) for the good of the kingdom?
PRAYER: Lord God, You are Sovereign, indeed. You can see the BIG PICTURE far beyond what my mortal eyes (and heart) can see. Help me to trust You fully, no matter what. Help me to believe the promise of Romans 8:28, that all things work for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. AMEN.
That could very well have been the end of it. But something amazing happened. The author mentions in verse 4, "Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming the word." Without any intentional "strategic plan," the early church has launched a global evangelistic outreach program! The crisis of persecution has necessitated the believers to spread out. And along the way, buoyed undoubtedly by their powerful early grounding in Christian community (Acts 2-3), they eagerly (and very effectively) share the gospel. Wow. Thanks, God!
It's amazing how God can "use" difficult, challenging, and even unpleasant circumstances for the good of God's Kingdom! Would the early church have launched out into the surrounding regions without persecution? Maybe. But probably not as quickly, that's for sure! What "unpleasant, challenging, or difficult"circumstances am I facing in my life now? How might God be using that (if I'm willing, of course) for the good of the kingdom?
PRAYER: Lord God, You are Sovereign, indeed. You can see the BIG PICTURE far beyond what my mortal eyes (and heart) can see. Help me to trust You fully, no matter what. Help me to believe the promise of Romans 8:28, that all things work for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. AMEN.
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