Dec
15
Surrounding Support
Filed Under Daily Devotions
SCRIPTURE:
Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. ~ Acts 14:19-20
OBSERVATION:
These Jews followed Paul and Barnabas to kill them. They stoned Paul and threw him out of the city and left him for dead. But Paul’s disciples, his friends who believed in him and what he was doing, surrounded him and encouraged him. I imagine that being a pivotal moment in Paul’s life – a reassurance of what he was doing. What he was going through – all that pain – it was all worth it and he knew he had to go on. He knew he couldn’t let people stand in the way of what God had given him to do.
APPLICATION:
God has given me people like Paul’s disciples. When one of my supporters dropped off, I questioned if I could continue on. I questioned if it was worth it. But this past week, friends, partners have stepped up and have encouraged me. “Don’t give up!” was one of the responses I got. Such an encouragement in a time of need. These people are special to me and I am grateful for them.
PRAYER:
Abba, thank you for the people in my life who have surrounded me with encouragement and praises. Thank you for their words and for allowing them to be a part of my life.