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, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Acts 14:21-22 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, Paul had the boldness and resolve to return back to the place where he was stoned and left for dead! (Acts 14:19) What level of commitment and tenacity must he have had to do that! I won’t even go back and never have gone back to places or people that I have felt mistreated me and did not appreciate what I brought. Yet he went back to where folks tried to kill him! I am quick to kick the dust off my feet and move on. Yet, Paul saw how You were using him in spite of the hardships and didn’t just press on and press through, he went back! Realizing his work was not finished there he returned, even with the threat of more violence.
Master, it is so easy for me to write people off because of poor experiences. When my encounters with them leave a “bad taste in my mouth” I am quick to believe that You are closing a door rather than reminding me that You said in this life we will have hardships (John 16:33), and that with the calling comes suffering (Acts 9:16). I view what I have been through as a shut door rather than an open invitation to engage in the power of the Spirit. I do not use what I have gone through with them as a testimony of Your sustaining power, and a reminder that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”
Lord, forgive me for not having faith enough and trust enough to just endure trials and hardships like a good soldier (2 Timothy 2:3). Forgive me for not loving enough to be willing to lay down my life even as You laid down Yours (1 John 3:16). Show me today the sacrifices that You are calling me to make. Continue to remind me that by Your grace You have not only given me the ability to believe and trust in You, but also to suffer for Your sake (Philippians 1:29). Like the apostles before me, help me to tap into the glorious joy down inside that comes when I realize that I am accounted worthy to suffer dishonor on account of You (Acts 5:41). Lord, indeed, I count it all joy to carry my cross, dying to self, that You might be exalted in me. I give myself away so that You can use me to Your glory. Amen.