Acts 18:1-17 – Spiritual Endurance

Read Acts 18:1-17

Paul has moved on to Corinth. We see what is almost like an instant replay of the events that have taken place in Thessalonica and Athens. Paul finds the synagogue and begins to teach and preach about Jesus. He wants his fellow Jews to hear the Good News. Whether his testimony is met with acceptance or rejection, God gives Paul the encouragement and drive to continue. We see a persistence in Paul that is very attractive. He takes his mission for God very seriously.

If you’ve been in ministry, you know that continually being “beaten up” or “beaten down” takes a toll. Paul was not a super-human, he was like us. In his obedience, God provided. First, the Hebrew Christian friends Paul encountered in Priscilla and Aquila. Paul has been on his own for a while, and God knew he needed some refreshment from companionship. Yet, we see Paul’s fuse is all but gone when he lashes out to the Jewish opposition saying, “Your blood is upon your own heads—I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.”

Have you ever said something in anger or frustration? I’m  not saying this is what Paul is doing here, but I can certainly hear the frustration in his words. His own faith must be taking a hit each time his fellow Jews question, oppose or don’t listen. Have you ever met rejection when sharing your faith?

Paul needed to hear confirmation from God he was still on the right path. We often need that reassurance, too. Sometimes when I feel like I’ve veered too far off course, God gently sends a reminder that I’m exactly where I need to be. Be thankful for those glimpses into his will for your life. In the vision Paul had, God told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!  For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you.” Confirmation and assurance!

It shouldn’t be a surprise that again we see the Jews rising up against Paul and his teaching. When brought before the officials, Paul is charged by the Jews with “persuading people to worship God in ways that are contrary to our law.” From the exchange that follows, I almost picture the official laughing out loud for he did not want to be bothered with such things. God was protecting Paul from harm as he had promised.

Are you feeling overwhelmed in your circumstances right now? Are you waiting for a word from God to help clarify your mission? We face similar foes today in the negative attitudes of people we encounter, sin and suffering, plus sheer exhaustion of working hard. Don’t let the walls crush in on you. The same God who rescued Paul and faithful ones before him, is there to catch you and keep you from falling. Cry out to him today.

Let’s pray. Father God, I feel like everything is crushing in on me and I don’t like it. I know you have so much more for me to do, if only I could get organized, be prepared, find the right people. You are preparing me for something grand. Help me not feel abandoned or out of control. May I find refreshment in you to revive my spiritual endurance so I can trust without failing in your great power. Unleash your power in my life to create the future you want for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.