Acts 16

In Acts 16 we see Paul being led to many different places in an unconventional missionary journey. In a string of Holy Spirit led divine appointments its easy to almost get frustrated for Paul as we would probably be unsure of what in the world to do next in his situation.

• “The Holy Spirit forbid them to speak the word in Asia” Acts 16:6
• "And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them” Acts 16:7
• “The crowd joined in attacking them…” “…He put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks” Acts 16: 22-24

It seems like I would probably head home after the first two “failures.” We seem to think that if God sends us on a mission, it will be successful… by human standards.

Paul and Silas aren’t surprised by this set back, actually it doesn’t even seem like they are fazed at all. They are singing and praying all night long! What happens next is awesome. A rough around the edges jailer feels the love of the savior through two men who are faithfully serving God. The salvation of that jailer resulted in an opportunity to witness to his entire family! This wasn’t a foreseeable result by any human means, but praise God, his results are so much better than ours.

Lets keep in mind that as Christians, we are on the same mission here in Hutto and all around the world that Paul and Silas were thousands of years ago. But while we cant find it in us to sing praises or pray while completely comfortable, they were beaten and imprisoned, then joyfully singing songs into the night. We must not be capsized by something as small as a blown tire and immediately take to Facebook to air our public grieving. People should be able to tell that we are about the gospel no matter how good or bad of a day we have just had. Remember that we may never see the fruits of our labor, yet God’s sovereignty and purpose remains steady and true. Never thwarted.

Prayer:

God, give us the strength and faith to push hard through tough times. Give us perseverance in the face of the possibility that we may never see tangible fruit. Thank you for your sovereignty. Let it be our joy in all situations. We love you and we need you. Amen.