Goodbook messages arrive every Monday, Thursday, and
Friday with a Scripture reading and ideas for how to apply the reading in our
lives. We are reading through the book of Acts. For additional Scripture
reading, you can follow the Advanced Track.Reading: Acts 16:40
(Advanced Track: Isaiah 9-12; Micah)
40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the believers and encouraged them. Then they left.
Application:
Wow! What a guy. You’d think after all Paul had been through – dragged before authorities, tried unfairly, stripped, beaten, imprisoned, placed in stocks – that Paul would be the one who needed encouragement. If this had been me, I might have thrown a pity party for myself. Yet the first thing Paul does upon being released from prison is go to a gathering of believers and encourage them! Did I say wow!
Paul encouraged the believers because he understood firsthand how difficult a life of faith can be. Furthermore, Paul had just experienced the power God has to turn things around and bring good from even the most hopeless of situations. God’s power rocked the prison where they were, and Paul and Silas had the opportunity to lead their jailer to Christ.
We don’t know what Paul said to them. If I were to guess, I would imagine he said something like this: “I know a life of faith can be hard, but don’t give up. God is good. God loves you, God is with you, and God is more powerful than any challenge you face. Keep trusting God and being bold in your faith. God will do things in you and through you that you never thought possible. If you don’t believe me, let me tell you what just happened to us…”
Do you need encouragement today in your faith life? You are not alone. Hear these same words to you: ““I know a life of faith can be hard, but don’t give up. God is good. God loves you, God is with you, and God is more powerful than any challenge you face. Keep trusting God and being bold in your faith. God will do things in you and through you that you never thought possible.”
I cannot end the devotion here. Not after what Paul did. I think his example challenges us to look for the people around us whom we can encourage. Maybe it’s a friend or a co-worker or a family member or a neighbor or the person ringing us up at the cash register. Be aware of people around you who may need a boost. Share with them an encouraging word.
1) Be encouraged
2) Encourage someone else today
Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas about how to apply this…
What an awesome reminder of how God's light is meant to shine brightly through us unto others for the glory of God! When I have shared in small group about the blessings, providing, and above all, LOVE that God has demonstrated in my life during my current trials and times of despair, it was shared with me that I was an encouragement. Can't tell you how strongly I felt God's loving presence at that moment.
ReplyDeleteWay to be an encouragement Ruthi!
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