Trouble Stirs, Salvation Ensues

Paul and Silas, by now quite familiar with disquieted mobs, continue to press on with agility. Because of their courage and determination, more and more people are saved.

Read: Acts 17:1-14(NLT)

Explore the Theme: Everywhere they go, Paul and Silas face hostility to their message, and always from the same people. What do you think are some of the emotions Paul and Silas might have been feeling in each of the places they stop?

Despite the naysayers who try to thwart the mission of Paul and Silas, the message of Jesus continues to save the people who are eager to hear it. How might this encourage you when you feel attacked while serving or doing ministry?

Ask God: Ask God to reveal to you how you handle setbacks and critical people. Do you find that you take offense quickly or are easily discouraged from pressing on? What might God want to teach you about your own heart and how you handle difficult circumstances that seem, at times, unrelenting?

Notice that everywhere Paul and Silas go, they find those who are willing to welcome them as well as those who are trying to cause them trouble. Pray for the discernment to see more clearly those who want to welcome you rather than those who want to harm you. Press into investing in those friendly and life-giving relationships.

Live it Out: Spend some time today thinking about those people who make serving and doing ministry a joy. Make a list of all those people who encourage you and who happily receive what you have to give. Then, spend some time thanking God for them. Perhaps, even write them a thank you note for being so welcoming both to you and to the message of Jesus.