Acts chapter nine reminds me that sometimes our pain propels the kingdom of God and changes lives.
After a startling revelation of Jesus,
Saul suffered for "three days without sight and neither ate nor drank." (v.9)
And after that experience:
"Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that Jesus is the Christ."
The results:
"The churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."
Next, Aeneas, was a man who suffered by being "bed ridden eight years and was paralyzed" and then everything changed when Peter said "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed. Then he rose immediately."
The results:
"So all who dwelt in Lydia and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord." (v.35)
As in, every single person living in those cities! Amazing!
And then there was Tabitha. This woman "was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died."
Peter prayed for her and he said "Tabitha arise! And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up." And then he "presented her alive" to all of her friends.
The results:
"And it became known throughout all Joppa and many believed on the Lord." (v.42)
I have a feeling all three of them would say their suffering was totally worth it!
~Becky
No comments:
Post a Comment