Fresh StartSample

Paul and Barnabas were embarking on a fresh start. The two of them wanted to revisit the churches where they had taught about Jesus to see how the churches were doing. But something wasn’t quite right. Barnabas wanted to take his cousin John Mark with them, but Paul did not. John Mark had deserted the men on a prior journey and Paul didn’t want to risk it. Scripture says the two men: had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord (Acts 15:39-40).

Paul and Barnabas were single-minded in their focus—to take a trip to strengthen the believers. But Paul needed to part ways with what he saw as a hindrance to do so. So, Paul did what he felt he needed to do. God doesn’t often give us specific directions in every situation we face, and we’re all doing our best. As you walk along, do what you feel like you need to do to pursue what God wants you to do. Even if it looks different than what someone else is doing. And trust that as you go forward, you are going in the grace of the Lord (Acts 15:40).