15/05/2021 - THEY DIDN’T GIVE UP

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However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.  Acts 14:20

What a terrible day Paul had in Lystra! He was stoned and considered dead; but that didn’t cause him to fall back in his mission. If he gave up, the Lord wouldn’t be glad in him anymore (Hebrews 10:38). The saved ones should be prepared to accomplish the will of God. If the plans of the Father include suffering from our side, like the persecutions Paul suffered during his ministry, we must move ahead without deviating from His way.

Paul’s adversaries believed they had concluded their mission and killed him, but that wasn’t heaven’s plan. As soon as he was surrounded by the disciples, Paul got up and entered Lystra. To him, the marks and pain caused by the stones were like a trophy of a battle he won. He considered himself more than an overcomer before the angels and the people from that city. Our joy causes our brothers in faith to rejoice!

Paul didn’t fear they’d come back to kill him; later he said: For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21, 2 Timothy 2:11). The Gospel needs this kind of preachers, who won’t spend time with things that aren’t part of their calling. Servants of God will never be busy with things of this world (2 Timothy 2:3-7). It is crazy to trade the pulpit and a consecrated life to the Father for nothing. People can surely have a job as their source of income, as long as that doesn’t compromise their life with the Lord.

The next day, probably with his body in pain, Paul travelled to Derbe to continue the mission he had received. Those who serve God should carry their cross and follow the Master, just as He declared (Luke 9:23). To walk away from the will of God is to surrender to Satan’s proposals. The enemy’s strategy is to attract more and more people to his kingdom, leading them to despise divine commandments. 

No matter what happens, as long as you fear God, He will be on your side and will rescue you. What happened yesterday is gone. If you sinned, confess it to the Lord and repent so you will receive forgiveness. If you did what pleases the Father, you will be rewarded. From now on, what matters is what you will do when you are tempted in the future. Always have a clean heart!

Look to the Most High’s promise that He will never leave you (Matthew 28:20). Don’t ever be sorry for trusting the Creator, for if you are facing trials, you will receive the highest grade. The Lord is good all the time. We should rejoice at everything that happens to us, for nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord (Romans 8:35-39). To Him be all the glory!

It is not time for God to wipe our tears away yet, but when we get to heaven, we will receive the reward for centuries and centuries (Revelation 21:4). Never allow sadness to take over your heart. Rejoice with the things that have been given you, because if they come from the Lord, they are excellent.

In Christ, with love,

Dr. Soares