Opening a Door of Faith

Acts 14:3

So they remained a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

This journey of advancing the gospel was characterized by many things, but one thing that was consistent was the response from the unbelieving Jews. They were constantly stirring up the Gentiles and poisoning their minds against the brothers. Not only that but they mistreated the disciples and attempted to stone many of them and actually did stone Paul. Dragging him out of the city, they left him thinking he was dead. But when the disciples gathered round him, he rose up. What a deliverance!

So what was the response of the Paul and the other disciples? Did they flee or continue on? God led in both directions. At one point they fled to a different city (Lystra and Derbe) and preached the gospel there, but sometimes they continued on and endured the abuse. How specifically did they minister? They spoke boldly for the Lord. He  granted them grace and signs and wonders. While in Lystra, Paul saw a crippled man who had the faith to be made well. Paul spoke the words, and he was healed. The crowds thought Paul and his band were gods, but Paul used this opportunity to preach to them to turn from vain things to the living God. As they traveled from city to city, they strengthened the souls of disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and told them that through many tribulations they must enter the kingdom of God. They appointed elders in every church and with prayer and fasting dedicated all to the Lord. The churches that they started would in turn have the same life style that Paul and his band had. They would continue on sharing the message and enduring the tribulation.

Coming back home, the disciples shared the great things that God had done, how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. Did they think that their job was done? Were they going to rest for a time? No, they remained no little time with the disciples. The spread of the gospel was ongoing. Their ministry burned within their hearts. What is my attitude toward opening a door of faith? Am I willing to speak boldly? Am I willing to endure the persecution?

Father,

Give me a fire to share Your message. Through Your power lead me in opening a door of faith in others.

In Jesus name,

Amen