Year of the Bible: Part Ten of Twelve预览

What is the Point of Persecution?

Our first encounter with Jesus often comes in the midst of difficult circumstances. Encountering the kindness and goodness of God in these moments convinces us that we have been missing out on God's mercy—and shows us that Jesus can replace the pain of our experience with the goodness of His presence. We then begin a journey that includes many revelations of God's character that confirm His kindness. Then BAM! Something difficult happens again, and in this experience we're able to know and understand greater depths in Jesus because of it.

In today's reading, the fruit of such a painful event was the salvation of a city most Jews would not have thought worthy of the Gospel of Jesus. This event also caused the salvation of an Ethiopian who many biblical historians credit with founding the Church of Jesus in Ethiopia, which continues even today.

What the enemy of God means for harm, God turns around for good. Embrace the mystery of God. He knows what He is doing. Press on in your relationship with Jesus. He will lead you into a life of fulfillment.

Question: How do you evaluate the painful events in your life?

Prayer: Father, I certainly do not understand Your mysteries. However, I choose to trust, believe, and seek You with all my heart, soul, and mind. Come, Holy Spirit, and direct my steps in Your plan for today.