Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.I pray that everyone has started the journey through "Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit." If you haven't, I hope this will give you a little push. :)
Week 1, Day 1: Many Hardships Two themes standout this week - INFLUENCE and PERSECUTION
INFLUENCE - Women, we must be mindful of our power of influence so that it does not turn into manipulation. Lord, help us to use our influence for good and not evil. Help us to influence each other to move forward into spiritual maturity; help us to influence others to great works through you; help us to influence others to seek your face.
PERSECUTION - The missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas is an awesome example of the hardships we must endure as Christians. Acts 13:14-52, Paul and Barnabas travel to four Galatian cities to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Were they accepted without incident in these cities? No. Persecution was stirred up against them and they were expelled from the city. The disciples responded to their persecution 'filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.' In the city of Lystra, Paul was stoned and left for dead outside the city. How did Paul respond? He got up and went back into the city and continued to spread the gospel. Do you think you would have responded the way Paul and Barnabas did in Acts 14:2-3? My answer: NOPE! Once I realized they didn't want to listen, I would have turned around and went on my way. Forget you! From this lesson, I have had to examine myself in the area of patience - Lord, help me to be patient with people, even when they don't want to hear the good news (or any other news).
How does God want you to respond to what he showed you on Day 1?
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