Those who had been scattered preached the word
wherever they went.
Acts 8:4
After Stephen was martyred in Acts 7, the heat was turned up on the believers in Jerusalem. As a result, “…all except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.” (Acts 8:1) Saul, the chief persecutor of the Christians, was dragging believers off to prison (Acts 8:3).
Disillusionment? Disappointment? Depression? What was the response of the early believers? And, more pointedly, what would have been your response or my response? If prison is a possibility and you are getting out of town to avoid it, starting over somewhere else might make one a “closet Christian.” Not so for these folks.
What did they do as they traveled and found a new home? They preached the word. Philip’s experiences in Samaria suggest that revival was breaking out. (Acts 8:5-8).
Only in God’s economy could persecution lead to revival. When I hear of persecution, my first prayer response is essentially, “Lord, make it stop.” But if I am also praying for revival, could the persecution actually be an answer to prayer? The ways of our great God are certainly not our ways. And a woman who desires to live sent might face persecution.
Lord, give me an eternal perspective. Give me eyes to see that even persecution can be used for your glory.
Live Sent Action Point: Each day, my website focuses on an unreached people group. (Look at the top right side here: http://www.crossmyheartministry.com/blog/) Pray for this group today and enlist your children to pray, too. You can even make it a geography/history/social studies lesson as you click and learn about this group. Pray specifically for the few Christians and the missionaries who are serving this group.
