Acts 17:10-13 - Persevering through hardship

Scripture:

 

Acts 17:10-13
10 The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.

 

11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

12 Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.

 

13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds.
NASU
     

 

Thoughts:

 

I love how Paul does not get scared or discouraged and go home because of all the persecution he and his companions are facing.  He sticks to what he knows to be God's will for his life.

 

The gospel is working powerfully to transform lives, but as Paul would later write, he had on his body the marks of Christ, referring to the torture and simple wear and tear that he endured as a missionary. 

 

A lot of times we're tempted to give up when things aren't easy.  Walking in God's will is not always difficult, but it's certainly not unusual for it to be so!  This becomes a real test of commitment in us.  Are we really sold-out for God?  Do we really trust Him with our lives?  Those phrases fall easily from our mouths when things are going well.  But what matters most is will they be true of us when we find ourselves in difficult times.  That's when we find out what we really believe about God.  By His strength, may it be the truth.

 

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, I pray for a steadfast persistence, like I see here in Paul.  I'm tempted to "duck and run" when adversity comes my way. 

 

Give me discernment to understand Your will, if only the next step.  And once I understand, perseverance to see it through, looking to You for my strength and encouragement. 

 

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.