They had lost their homes, their jobs and many of their family and friends. And they had been forced to leave their beloved Jerusalem.
In fact, one of their beloved leaders had been murdered and countless numbers of people they loved had been thrown into prison.
All because of loving and living for a man who had taught them to love all people.
It wasn’t fair.
But it was a time of great faithfulness.
The beginning of Acts 8 describes the tsunami of persecution that came against Christians after the martyrdom of Stephen.
Hell was unleashed in a sense upon Christians in and around Jerusalem, the birthplace of Christianity.
Yet, what Satan intended for extinguishing the flames of faith instead spread them to a much wider audience.
The hard times actually served the purposes of the Great Commission.
Check out these words from Acts 8:4.
“ But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went.”
I don’t wish hard times on anybody. I certainly don’t go looking for them.
They happen, though, and it’s important that we look within them for opportunities to spread our faith, whether it be to the person seated in the Career Center next to us who is also looking for a job or it is the discouraged looking man in the surgery waiting room two seats down from us who could really use a prayer for his wife who is in surgery as is ours.
The seeds of hope that sprinkle from our lives into others just might sprout and grow as the Lord finds more receptive minds and hearts.
Listen, when tough times come, particularly those that seem SO unfair, let’s shine, not whine.
How people view our faith — and hopefully Jesus — will be radically different based on which we choose.
One other thing… please pray for the millions of Christians around the world who are facing persecution by terrorists yet continue to shine, not whine.
As always, I love you
Martin
