Christians in the western world know very little about true persecution. While there doesn’t seem to be a lack of things to complain about… there aren’t many of us who can say that we’ve faced extreme, oppressive, treatment for our faith.
On Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey, they established four churches in the Roman province of Galatia - which is modern day Turkey – in the cities of Iconium, Derbe, Lystra, and Antioch. In each of these cities, many believed the good news of Jesus and became followers of Him due to the boldness of Paul and Barnabas spreading the gospel. Likewise, in each of the cities there were those that stirred up persecution against them – some simply because they were jealous of the attention that Paul and Barnabas were getting as they observed them perform miracles in the name of Jesus. When Paul and Barnabas learned of the threats against them, they attempted to flee, but unfortunately weren’t able to escape the crowds in Lystra. They dragged Paul out of town, stoned him, and left him for dead thinking that he’d soon succumb to his injuries.
“But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city.” Acts 14:20
Ya we really know so little about persecution….or at least like Paul knew it. Paul was stoned, left for dead, and then got up, and the crazy guy went back into the city… then headed off to the city of Derbe the next day.
And here’s the kicker…not only did Paul go immediately back into the same city that the same people lived that stoned him, but his missionary journey continued, circling back to the three other cities where churches were first planted, “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.” (Acts 14:22)
What faith! In the face of literal death, Paul’s perspective was to strengthen others and encourage others to remain faithful. What a testimony! What encouragement for us – to remain faithful, even when things don’t go the way we’d want them to go.
Stories like this in the Bible make me question myself in sulking before God. Although I know God can handle all my crying and questions, and He cares for me and loves me just the same…it really does make me rethink the things I’m complaining to God about.
Paul and Barnabas shared that “we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)
Here’s the thing: A person’s faith doesn’t save them from hardships, it simply guarantees they’re not alone when they arrive.
Hardships are not mandatory to get into Heaven… but they are a by-product of living a faithful life, as we pursue living our life for Christ.
As I say all this, I know some of you have still experienced some degree of persecution because of stands you’ve taken for your faith – and I don’t diminish that – our persecution is still very real to us and can be heartbreaking, devastating, and kick the almost-everything out of us.
Jesus said, “In this world we will have trouble. But take heart. I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33)
Take heart, friends! Jesus reigns victorious… we may not see it yet while we’re still in the battle, but He’s already won the war! And just like Paul, even though we may feel completely beaten down, we too can get up again with the help of each other and the hope that God's not finished with us yet.
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